Shirley Frances (Macklin) Murphy

life story

A proud first-generation Irish-American; beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

“All of these lines across my face tell you the story of who I am. So many stories of where I’ve been and how I got to where I am.” – Brandi Carlile

Shirley's Story

With hearts full of cherished memories, we share the passing of Shirley Frances (Macklin) Murphy on February 1, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in Maspeth, Queens, New York, Shirley was the sixth of seven children of John and Annie (McHugh) Macklin. Growing up in a first-generation Irish-American family, she was known for her sharp mind, her gift for storytelling, her sense of humor, and an independent streak that carried her through life. Shirley’s love of music and stories ran deep, a passion reflected in her choice of Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, composers, and poets, as her confirmation name. She was the family historian and loved researching the family tree and digging into her Irish roots. Gatherings of the Macklin family were often filled with bouts of laughter so intense that no one could speak clearly enough to explain what was so funny to anyone walking in the room.

As a student, Shirley was quick-witted and determined. She attended Bishop McDonald High School in Brooklyn, where she excelled in her studies and graduated early. She had beautiful penmanship, a skill with numbers, and an extensive vocabulary. Throughout her life, she loved challenging herself with puzzles, whether crosswords or Sudoku, always keeping her mind sharp.

Shirley met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Murphy, at her sister’s wedding, and the couple married in August of 1965. Their journey together took them to Knoxville, Tennessee, where Bob pursued graduate studies while Shirley worked as a secretary for Rentenbach Engineering. In 1969, they moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota, a transition that marked the beginning of their lives as parents. Shirley embraced motherhood, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in her daughters. Sharing her appreciation for stories, travel and the arts, she always found ways to make everyday moments fun and educational. Even with the demands of raising a young family, she remained committed to her own education. In 1976, she earned her degree in Accountancy, proving her ability to juggle school, work, and parenting. After a move to Apple Valley, MN in 1981 she worked as a CPA at several firms until her retirement in 1995.

A lifelong learner, she took classes at St. Catherine University as a senior, always eager to expand her mind and explore new ideas. But more than anything, she loved learning about people, their stories, their journeys, and their connections. A conversation with Shirley was never just small talk; it was Shirley’s 20 Questions, a tradition that often caught unsuspecting high school friends of her girls off guard. Her deep interest in others, paired with her sharp memory, made her a walking encyclopedia of facts and trivia.

Shirley and Bob cherished their time at the lake in Richmond, MN, where she loved watching songbirds, pelicans, and loons, as well as engaging with neighbors. She took pride in making her home welcoming for family gatherings and special occasions. She enjoyed staying active and played a key role in developing the Rocori Pedestrian Trail. When not out walking the trail in the summer, she could often be found on the golf course, perfecting her swing at one of the many local courses.

In 2010, Shirley and Bob began spending their winters in Green Valley, AZ, where she enjoyed the warmth of the sun and the new friendships they built. Never one to sit still, Shirley took up line dancing and expanded her love of birdwatching, finding joy watching Quincy the Quail and his friends frolic in the backyard fountain. She joined local birdwatching hikes and became a member of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The good weather also allowed her to continue honing her golf swing, unless she was too busy predicting winners and cheering for her favorite PGA Tour players on Sunday afternoons.

By far, Shirley’s most cherished role was being the grandma of Esme and Alex. A child at heart, she loved nothing more than to spend time playing with them. Whether she was encouraging their curiosity by helping them carefully explore the world around them, imparting her vast knowledge of history and culture, or doing things just to make them laugh, her joy was palpable. And, of course, she made sure they learned the “right” way to golf, which always included a stop for ice cream afterward. She beamed with pride when sharing stories of their many milestones with friends and family.

Shirley’s spunky and inquisitive personality was enjoyed by all who knew her, including the caregivers who supported her in her final chapter. The dedicated Memory Care staff at Ecumen Seasons at Apple Valley and Grace Hospice provided her with comfort and compassion. Our family is forever grateful for their care and for allowing Shirley to do things her way.

Shirley is preceded in death by her beloved daughter Sarah, her parents John and Annie Macklin, and her siblings Sr. Anna Marie Macklin, Elaine (Ed) Foley, Evelyn (Otto) Barckow, and John Kevin Macklin. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 59 years, Bob; daughters: Suzanne Murphy and Kristen (Ben Lee) Murphy; grandchildren: Esme and Alex; sisters: Barabara Macklin and Beatrice Reid; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Shirley will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the stories we share, the deviled eggs we try to perfect, and our determination to ensure no potato is left behind on our plate. We’ll hear her voice telling us to “look it up” when we wonder about something and feel her presence when we find ourselves dancing to music or reheating the perfect cup of tea, perhaps for the third time.

In accordance with her wishes, our family will not be holding a formal memorial service. Instead, we ask that you take a moment to honor Shirley by doing something that celebrates your favorite parts of her.

Memorials: Donations may be made to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Ecumen Seasons at Apple Valley, or Grace Hospice, Minneapolis, MN.