Dorothy C. Murphy

Dot Murphy was a log time volunteer at the Lafayette Adult Resource Academy. She will never be forgotten. I was the Director for almost 40 years and retired in 2013. Dot was so eager to offer her professional skills and wisdom. She taught many learners, especially those from other countries. Her artwork was famous. She shared her love of art with many. Dot enjoyed working with the least educated and most in need. I plan to send a memorial gift in Dot's name to the Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette where her name will be published in their newsletter for many to see. JoAnn Vorst Retired Director of the Lafayette Adult Resource Academy

What a great woman and a wonderful example for all. Dottie was in the Chemistry Department main office for many years when I was a graduate student and then employee. She was profoundly competent and fascinating and fun. I saw her at the Library from time to time in later years. I wish her family and other loved ones peace and healing.

Dot was my first and long-time volunteer at the Lafayette Adult Resource Academy (LARA), where I was a teacher for over 20 years. We became friends. I was privileged to view her extensive art collection in her lovely condo. She shared with me the stories of her life-her husband, children, travels, and interest in art and reading. I was so sorry to see the early loss of her children. I am the VP of Adult Learners, Inc. (ALI), which is a nonprofit offering needs-based scholarships to those with barriers beyond financial need. ALI supports those seeking employment/career development in the form of certificates, licenses, and associate degrees. In addition, ALI pays the fees for the TASH Tests (high school equivalency) for those in the county jail literacy programs. This organization, spearheaded by JoAnn Vorst, original director of LARA, runs the Scripps Regional National Spelling Bee. I will be making a donation as a sponsor of the Bee in remembrance of Dot. The Spelling Bee takes place in March 2021. Dot’s remembrance will be printed on the program. Many at LARA will remember this special lady.

In memory of Dorothy C. Murphy, Susan and Ken Baker and Brian Geddes lit a candle

Dorothy was a very interesting woman, and eager to help others in learning opportunities {LARA,}. She was writing a book about her life, especially in the dust bowl times.

I'm so sorry to hear about Miss Dottie. Thoughts and prayers go out to Chris and Ryan and their families. Dottie was a sweet woman and one of the most independent individuals that I've ever known. She will be sorely missed!

You have been my best friend, my mentor, I love you Dottie.

My condolences to Dottie’s family. I admired Dottie so much and always enjoyed my time with her. I especially remember celebrating the 4th of July of the Bicentennial year at her home. I saw her strength of character as one by one her family passed away. Through much adversity she carried on and sought the happier moments of life. Rest In Peace.

There's so much to say about my Aunt Dottie! I'm the daughter of her only brother, Roger. I live in Garden City, Ks. I reconnected with Dottie about a year ago, the fall of 2019. We communicated with cards and occasional phone visits until March of this year, 2020, during the COVID 19 pandemic lockdown. In March we decided to talk on the phone twice a week, usually at 3:00 pm (CST) on Wednesdays and Sundays. I also sent her fun packages each week with SF candy, perfume samples, inspirational quotes and political cartoons and articles to read. She was SO excited to get the packages, which "spurred" me on, of course! Many of our conversations centered around family, especially her early years in Sumner Co. KS and her own family, husband, Mike and children Mike and Patty. She felt so very blessed to have had all three of them in her life! Dottie was SO looking forward to seeing them in Heaven! She was delighted to share her career years at Purdue University. She told of the many experiences she had and the wonderful people she worked with and met! Aunt Dottie had a wonderful wit and a very sharp mind. She could remember her many travels both in the United States and overseas. She was quite worried about the political divide in America, mourned the loss of "civility" and was concerned about how our allies & enemies would respond to us, the world over! She was quite a wordsmith! She loved the dictionary and one of our favorite words to discuss was "synchronicity". We'd discuss how/if that word had shown up during our week. She was also a voracious reader! This last year she was reading a biography of Thomas Jefferson and imparted much of his beliefs as we talked about our world situation. In our last few phone visits toward the end of October, Dottie shared her joy with the Haan Mansion Museum agreeing to accept her many paintings for their collection. She was beyond excited! I will SO miss my Aunt Dottie! She carried a "visible, shining light within" to help me be my best self and a continuing belief in kindness and compassion toward all! I love you, Aunt Dottie! Jeanne

Patrice and I were friends for many years. After she moved back to West Lafayette we spent many dinners together, eating and talking. Fortunately we had the pleasure of Dottie’s company many times. She was always so anxious to see and spend time with Pat’s many friends. Such a sweet lady! Condolences to all the family.

Dottie, it was a pleasure knowing you, and your memory will serve as a blessing.

What a wonderful. Classy lady! Sorry to hear of her passing! Know it had to be difficult for her losing both of her children to early death!

Dottie was one of our first acquaintances when we moved to Lafayette in 1985. Though our first interaction with her was to help her with odd jobs in and around her home, we quickly became friends. (How could anyone not be a friend to you, dear lady.) We dearly loved becoming a part of her family and spent the next 35 years sharing family events, working together, dog sitting (for several dogs through the years) - all of the highs and lows that family would expect to share with one another. At times she discussed her biography with us for hours on end, asking us to read about her memoirs as she poured out her memories into the black and white text on the pages. We were always amazed that her mind remained so sharp; sharing intricate details of her life as though she were there in the moment. In the past few years, after her move to Indianapolis, it was more difficult to see her but we did find at least a few times each year to visit with her for a bit. On our last visit we took her pickled beets - one of her favorite things to eat. The past couple of years we tried to talk with her on the phone, ultimately finding it impossible to talk with her due to her inability to hear well enough. We tried using FaceTime thinking that should could read our lips and better understand the words. However, that became laughable instead of helpful. She would have the phone camera pointed anywhere except on herself - the ceiling, the floor, etc. Dottie, you meant more to us than we can possibly convey. You loved us unconditionally and gave us memories that will never fade. May you rest in peace, dear friend, joined in heaven with your husband, children, siblings and all of the other relatives you so fondly spoke of through the years. I'm sure they are celebrating with you. We look forward to the day when we join you there... Much love, George and Pam

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.