Obituary of Helen May Murdy

Helen M. Murdy Newton Funeral service for Helen M. Murdy, will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 8 at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton, who have been entrusted with the arrangements. A visitation with the family will be held at the funeral home, one hour prior to the services. In LIEU of flowers: Memorials in Helen's name are being designated; to the First United Methodist Church; Good Samaritan Fund at Park Centre or to the Charity of your choice. Helen May Murdy, 95, the daughter of Charles O. and Maude (Chantry) Swisher, was born January 16, 1914 in Greenfield, Iowa. She graduated as Salutatorian of her class from Greenfield High School, Class of 1932. Besides academics, Helen excelled in music activities, especially piano and violin. After graduation, she attended Northern Iowa University. Before marrying, she taught school in Hartwick, Iowa. On April 21, 1935, Helen was united in marriage with Paul Painter Murdy of Greenfield. Residents of Coon Rapids, Iowa for several years, Helen and Paul moved to Newton in 1937. After raising their daughters, Helen attained her bachelors' degree in music education from Drake University, and went on to briefly teach in Newton. She devoted her life to her husband, family and friends, and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the AO Chapter of PEO, Clio Club and United Methodist Women. Helen was also the bookkeeper for her husband at Murdy Drug Store. She gave many private piano and organ lessons and accompanied numerous soloists for church services, weddings and funerals. She was a dedicated organist for the church for over 40 years. Helen departed this life to be with her Lord on Sunday morning, July 5, 2009 at Park Center Health Care in Newton. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 62 years, Paul Murdy on April 11, 1997. Those left to honor Helen's memory include her daughters and sons-in-law: Marilyn (Cleo) Murphy of Summerfield, Florida and Lynette (Robert) Doyle of Greenbelt, Maryland; her four grandchildren: Linda (John) Waldron of Johnston, IA, Bruce (Kerrie) Murphy of Urbandale, IA, Suzanne (Geoff) Doyle-Morris of Cambridge, England, and Christopher Paul Doyle of Greenbelt, Maryland. She will be missed by her nine great-grandchildren: Ashleigh, Laura, Benjamin, Meridith, Luke, Courtney, Carolyne, Branden and Lauren; as well as a great-great granddaughter Kathryn; and her many good friends. Calling hours will be Wednesday from One hour prior to services at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home, 310 N. 2nd Ave. E., Newton, IA. The funeral will be Wednesday at 10:30 at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home, 310 N. 2nd Ave. E., Newton with Pastor Gary Marzolf officiating. Burial will be in Greenfield Cemetery, Greenfield on Wednesday at 4:00 pm.