Mary "Helen" Murphy

Mary Helen Murphy, of Chaptico, MD, passed peacefully on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, at St. Mary’s Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Leonardtown, MD. She was born to the late Philip Hayden Thompson and Alice Arline Thompson on March 5, 1933. Mary Helen is predeceased by her parents and her husband, the late James Frederick Murphy, Sr., whom she married on September 24, 1953. Immediately upon graduation from LaPlata High School class of 1951, Helen was employed by Edward L. Sanders Insurance Agency in LaPlata, MD. She retired with over 30 years of dedicated service as their secretary. In later years, she enjoyed a new career as “Miss Helen” at the Food Lion in Leonardtown, MD. She loved her co-workers and customers. She never forgot a face or a name or which brand of cigarettes were needed. The customers loved her as well. She retired from Food Lion with over 15 years of dedicated service. Mary Helen spent her last years at home taking care of her beloved chihuahua, Annie, whom she adored. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. Mary Helen was the matriarch of a large, blended family. Always invited-- the first to arrive and the last to leave. Helen was the beloved mother of James Frederick Murphy, Jr. (Helen) of St, Leonard, MD and Betty Willman of Mechanicsville, MD. She was grandmother to James Frederick Murphy III (Alicia), Stephen Howard Murphy, and Rebecca Lynn Willman, and great-grandmother to SJ, Ben, and John Murphy. Mary Helen’s blended family included Helen’s children, William Boggs (Chrissy), Jan Henderson (Bill), Cheryl Goodenough (James) and Chad Boggs (Denise), as well as Helen’s grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary Helen was so proud of all her family, their hard work, education, and accomplishments. Mary Helen was sister to predeceased brothers, Phil, Edgar, Farley, and Richard Thompson. She is survived by her sister, Carolyn Trossbach (Buck), and many nephews and nieces. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, MD at 10:30 AM with Rev. Michael Tietjen officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Rick Murphy, Steve Murphy, James Goodenough, Chad Boggs, Colbey Boggs, and Kaden Boggs. Honorary pallbearer will be SJ Murphy. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary’s Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, MD. Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingly-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.