Colleen Murphy was born on July 27, 1967 to Wilbur and Catherine Murphy. She has one sister, Darcy who lives in Florida with her son, Ian. Colleen lived with her mother and sister in Fraser and graduated from Fraser High School in the class of 1985. Colleen’s mother passed away in November, 1992.
Colleen and Bill (William Joseph) Carpenter were married at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church on September 7, 1996.
Colleen’s life was defined by her love and care for all. When she found initial work in retail unfulfilling, she found a life path more compatible with her desire to care for others. Colleen enrolled in a nursing program. With Bill’s encouragement and support she graduated Magna cum Laude, as a registered nurse in December, 2000.
In 2002 Colleen and Bill became parents of Joey (William Joseph IV) and Zoe Catherine in 2004. Colleen’s love of her children, her care and protection of them became the primary focus of her life
She began her nursing career, at first as an oncology nurse and then as an ICU nurse, all within the Ascension St. John Health System, a further expression of her life’s orientation of loving and caring.
The last several months of Colleen’s life were marked by her strong determination to live, amidst all her pain and suffering. She was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in July. The nurse who was driven by her love and care for others was now the recipient of the same love and care of Bill, Joey and Zoe and her extended family.
On Thanksgiving Day Bill wrote to family and friends:
“As we sit down for Thanksgiving dinner we wanted to let everyone know that we are thankful to everyone for all the love and prayers and help that you have given.
We are thankful for Colleen and all of the memories that she has given us over the years. I am thankful to Colleen for everything she has given me and more than anything Joey and Zoe.
We are all deeply thankful this year and remain committed to a joyous and love filled Holiday season. The cancer continues to progress and her condition continues to decline. While we do not know how much time we have we will cherish every day and care for her and shower her with love. Thank you to everyone. Take a moment today to share some love on behalf of Colleen.
Joey, Zoe and I”
Colleen left our earthly presence on November 27, 2021 as the family was with her and decorating the Christmas tree.
In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the American Cancer Society.
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