Judith Helen Murphy

Judith Helen “Judy” (French) Murphy, 86, North Manchester, Indiana, passed away on September 11, 2022, at Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester. She was born in Howard County, Indiana, on November 10, 1935, to the late Woodrow A.L. and Helen A. (Greene) French. Judy grew up on her parents’ family farm near Silver Lake, Indiana, and loved working alongside her father there. During her childhood, she and her family attended South Pleasant Methodist Church in Silver Lake.

Judy graduated from Laketon High School in 1953 and from Parkview Nursing School in 1956. She spent her entire career advocating for nurses. Judy encouraged others to enter the profession, as she believed deeply in the services and care they provide. Judy was a Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing in many states, most notably spending ten years at North Ottawa Community Hospital in Grand Haven, Michigan.

On November 10, 1978, Judy married Dr. Richard A. Poel. While Judy and Richard each brought two children into their marriage, they soon became a family of one. Richard served in the Air Force, and they moved often, which gave Judy a chance to see the United States. She had a deep passion for the outdoors and loved to cross country ski, hike, swim, and sail. When she wasn’t outside, Judy loved to paint. She and Richard also enjoyed taking home courses on history and philosophy as well as studying the Bible.

Judy had a loving, optimistic personality that was infectious to everyone around her. She was caring and loving to her family, extended family, and anyone else she met. Every morning she sent out a message of hope and positivity to her family. Judy earned the nickname Sunshine because of the happiness, joy, and uplifting attitude she brought to so many others. She loved encouraging others to become whatever they wanted to become.

The loving memory of Judy Murphy will be forever cherished by her husband of nearly forty-four years, Dr. Richard A. Poel, Boyne City, Michigan; sons, Michael (Lark) Murphy, Augusta, Michigan, and Chad (Carrie) Murphy, Savage, Minnesota; daughters, Lisa C. Poel, Holland, Michigan, and Janine M. (Scott) McClain, Spring Lake, Michigan; brothers, Lonnie (Elsie) French, North Manchester, and Danny (Mary) French, Decatur; sister, Joyce Kashima, Baltimore, Maryland; and grandchildren Alex and Cassie Murphy, Jordan (Mark) Prescher, Joshua Murphy; and great-grandchild Emma Prescher. Judy was preceded in death by her parents.

Family and friends may call Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the South Pleasant Church, 5064 West 1400 North, Silver Lake, Indiana. A celebration of Judy’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. with her son, Pastor Chad Murphy officiating. Burial will be at South Pleasant Cemetery at a later date.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Judy Murphy, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123 or Mercy Road Church in Burnsville, MN for Ukraine humanitarian relief, 12156 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville, Minnesota 55337.

The family of Judy Murphy has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.