* Website was updated on 10/01/05:  36 more photos were added *

Thanks to everyone who attended Eileen's memorial service on Sat. Sept. 24th.  For those who couldn't attend, click here to view a page with the transcript from the service, a link to the service program and a link to the special memorial proclamation from King County Executive Ron Sims.  Thanks also to everyone for all the cards and messages you have sent me, either privately or publicly on this site.  I appreciate it.  --Debbie Crumb

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Eileen ("Murph") A. Murphy died from cardiac arrest on September 7, 2005 while vacationing in Klamath Falls, OR.

Eileen was born September 24, 1950 in Anaconda, MT to Daniel Thomas Murphy and Bernadine Dillon Murphy. She attended Catholic elementary and high schools in Anaconda before graduating from the College of Great Falls (MT) in 1972. She earned her Masters degree in Secondary Education from the California State University at Northridge in 1977. Eileen taught in Catholic grade schools in CA and WA for six years before joining Senior Services of Seattle/King County in 1979 where she was Vice-President of Information Services at the time of her death.

Eileen lived a too-short life—rich with family, friendships, humor and service. She loved storytelling, playing cards and games, her two cats, listening to NPR, reading, music, travel, collecting National Park Passport stamps, the Seattle Storm and the Husky Women's Basketball team. As a life-long progressive, she was passionate about her politics. Eileen is in heaven now watching the Seattle Mariners, with a cold beer in one hand and a crossword puzzle in the other.  

Family members surviving Eileen are her life partner of 18 years, Debbie Crumb of Seattle; brothers Jim Murphy of Kalispell, MT and Dan Murphy of Anaconda, MT; sister Patty Kohoutek of Great Falls, MT; their families; Debbie's mother Rose Crumb of Port Angeles; Debbie's nine siblings and their families. Eileen was godmother to Kelly Murphy and Jackson Crumb. Both of Eileen's parents preceded her in death.

Debbie and Eileen made the decision years ago to become organ donors after their deaths in order to give life to others.  Because of the type of Eileen's injury, the only organs she was able to donate were her eyes.  According to the Lions Eye Bank of OR, Eileen's donation resulted in two corneal transplants, giving two recipients who were blind an opportunity to regain their sight.  Debbie and Eileen encourage everyone to consider becoming organ donors if you haven't already done so.

A memorial service and party was held at 2:00 PM at the Alki Congregational United Church of Christ (6115 SW Hinds, Seattle) on Saturday, September 24^th.  Eileen's celebration of life was held on what would have been her 55^th birthday. 

Remembrances may be sent to the American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org for the victims of Hurricane Katrina; Senior Services, 2208 Second Ave., Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98121 http://www.seniorservices.org; or Findlay Street Christian Church, 4620 S. Findlay, Seattle, WA 98118 http://www.findlaystchurch.org. 

Please click on the link below to access the obituary written by staff reporter Marsha King as it appeared on page B6 of the September 10, 2005 edition of The Seattle Times newspaper
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/obituaries/2002484606_murphyobit10m.html