Vera J. Murphy

Vera Jean (Lauer) Murphy, 81, of Blairsville, passed away on Tuesday December 27, 2022 at the Communities at Indian Haven in Indiana.

Born in Ebensburg on February 25, 1941, Vera was the daughter of the late Merle and Mary (Dishart) Lauer. A graduate of Central Cambria High School, Vera spent the majority of her adult life in Blairsville. She was a devoted wife and mother to her three boys. Mrs. Murphy was an active member of St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, participating in the women’s choir. Vera enjoyed crafts, cooking, working in her gardens and making the family house a home. She was known best as “Grammy” to her grandchildren. Blessed with a lovely singing voice and a great sense of humor, she freely shared both.

Left to cherish her memory is her devoted husband of 59 years, Norman J. Murphy, whom she married on June 1, 1963; three sons, Joseph Murphy and wife, Christy, of Houston, TX, Leo Murphy and wife, Silvana, of Chesapeake, VA, Thomas Murphy and wife, Cheryl of Germantown, TN; sisters, Mildred Halvey, Mary Bettwy, Ann Elizabeth Radebach and husband, Bill; eight grandchildren with one great grandchild due in April; and numerous nieces and nephews. Vera was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Doris (Lauer) Kokoski, three brothers-in-law, Walter Kokoski, Jack Halvey, and Dick Bettwy.

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday January 3, 2023 from 5-7PM at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, 49 N. Walnut Street, Blairsville with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11AM on Wednesday January 4, 2023 at Holy Name Catholic Church, 500 N. Julian St, Ebensburg. Additional visitation will take place at the church from 10AM until the time of the Mass. Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery, Ebensburg.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and residents of Lynn Haven Personal Care Home in Black Lick and to Indian Haven in Indiana for their wonderful care to Vera during her time there.