JoAnn “Jody” Murphy, 75 of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 8, 2023. She was born August 3, 1947 in Allentown, PA to Donald and Barbara (Gordon) Romig. On October 19, 1968, she married Thomas Murphy who survives along with their children, Steve (Bridget) Murphy and Sharon (Gary) Bell; grandchildren, Lorelei Murphy, and Rachel, Abby and Lilly Branham, and her brother, Jon Romig. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Audrey Long.
Jody graduated from William Allen High School in 1965 and earned both a bachelor & master’s degree at Purdue University. Jody’s career was dedicated to helping others with mental health & addiction disorders at Southlake Mental Health in Merrillville and Hazelden in Newberg, Oregon. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, including being a Stephen Minister for the church. She resided in Northwest Indiana from her marriage until 2002. She then followed her husband to Sherwood, Oregon until his retirement in 2016. They then returned to Valparaiso to be near her grandchildren.
Jody had a passion for reading, skiing, and theater. She also enjoyed traveling the world with Tom and annual family beach trips to Bethany Beach, DE to visit her late cousin, Michael Richardson. She particularly loved attending her daughter’s gymnastics meets all over the country, and more recently cheering on her granddaughters at their soccer matches. She will be missed by all those whose lives she touched.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on August 11, 2023 from 1:00-3:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Memorial Service beginning at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the VNA Hospice of NWI.
GUESTBOOK
I am so sorry for this loss of a lovely human being. May the memory of all her good works, the good marriage, the good family...be a blessing. -Martha Thornton
I never got to meet your wife Thomas, but I knew how much you loved and still love her. I saw the pain every time I saw you at the park. I wanted to give you hugs, but I didn't want you to break down at the park. You kept your personal business private and I respected that. You had an awsome wife, just remember the good times and she will live on forever. See you soon my friend. -Laurie Trapp
I am so sorry to hear that Jody is no longer with us. I met Jody on a trip to Portugal and we ended up having a great time. I loved her sense of humor. I was so hoping to see her on more trips . She will be missed. -Bobbi McCullen
We met JoAnn and Tom at church when they moved to Oregon. We soon became friends and we met before church for breakfast most Sundays. We had so many things in common. We got together for dinners, movies and other activities. We enjoyed 3 trips to Europe together. So many adventures and memories! JoAnn had endless energy and drive to see everything. Long after the rest of us collapsed in bed, she went out to see "one more thing", afraid she would miss something. We all said she had wheels instead of feet. JoAnn and I both worked in Newberg, in the business of helping people. We shared so many beliefs and ideas. After they moved to Indiana, I thought we would lose track of each other, but we didn't. We talked frequently. We texted and laughed about many things. I will miss you dearly, good friend. I have an idea how your family is grieving. JoAnn loved you all so much, especially her grandchildren. Lorelei, she was so proud of you. We shared pictures of our grandchildren and talked endlessly about their adventures. We are still in shock. Rest now, JoAnn. You did it all. -Pam and Gene Boschee
Uncle Tom, Steve, and Sherri, My deepest condolences. There are many great memories of Aunt Jody I will hold in my heart. Her easy laugh. Her tireless curiosity. Her sense of adventure. Katrina has fond memories, too, of Oregon adventures. She was always welcoming and always interested to hear what the Hayes clan was up to. Taken far too soon. Kat, Ollie and I are sending our love. With the sorrow there is also celebration of a life well lived and a life well loved. Much love, -Don, Kat, and Ollie Hayes
“There is no magic cure, no making it all go away forever. There are only small steps upward; an easier day, an unexpected laugh.” Laurie Halse Anderson I am sorry for your loss and can only hope to understand your pain in these most sad times in your lives. Much love, -Sandra Duncan
I’m so sorry for your loss Tom. You have to remember that she is not in pain anymore. Our loss is another reunion. Jody was a funny and kindhearted lady. You did amazing with her. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it due to work. If you need anything let me know, -Autumn Bazelewski
I am thinking of you all so much and so sorry. It’s still hard for me to wrap my brain around this loss. I was able to visit with Aunt Jodi when came to the NJ beach last summer. She was so vibrant and chatty - so full of life and opinions ( of course) lol!!!! I am so grateful that I had that time with her. We might not have lived physically close but we always new that when my Uncle Tom and Aunt Jodi came to town - it was a big deal. She was a steadfast constant for me growing up.. When I started adulting - buying a home and having kids, she went out of her way to stay in touch, sending gifts and cards and planning special detours to stop and see us on our way to the beach…I will always hold my memories of her close to my heart and she will be missed!! -Clare Murphy DiSabatino
