Ann Marie (Carter) Murphy's Obituary
Ann Marie (Carter) Murphy 93 went home with her guardian angel and passed peacefully on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Ann was a life-long resident of Lawrence, MA. She was born to former Lawrence School Committee Member James R Carter Sr and Ellen T (Lynch) Carter. Ann was the 3rd of 5 ‘Carter Kids’ as she used to say. She was a devoted Catholic, proud of being ‘May Queen’ as a child. Ann attended Catholic grammar schools including St Rita’s and was a graduate of St Mary’s High School class of 1950. She was a parishioner of the former Assumption Church on Lawrence St and later St Mary’s Church on Haverhill St. where she performed as part of the Choir for many years.
During her life Ann worked at a variety of jobs enjoying each one. She often shared humorous stories about her co-workers and was proud of her work at the former Lawrence Court House and frequently spoke of her time at the former Demoulas Market. She was a wonderful friend to everyone she encountered, always ready to share a smile and a laugh.
A strong, independent woman, Ann survived two brain tumors 1962 and 1982.
Ann was the loving mother of the late Kevin Murphy whom she raised alone following her divorce during a time in the 1960’s when it was difficult for a single woman. Ann was also a loving Aunt who would walk her nephews from Lawrence St to the former Friendly’s on Broadway in Methuen or down to the former McDonald’s on Essex St. Ann always remembered birthdays and anniversaries and was sure to send a beautiful note and card.
One of Ann’s many joys was music and attending concerts. Her favorite singers were Jackie Wilson, Jim Reeves, Bobby Darin and Johnny Mathis. On the 40th anniversary of her first brain tumor Ann received a personalized autographed letter from Johnny Mathis thanking her for being a number one fan and wishing her continued health.
As often as she could, Ann would travel to California to visit her brother Jack or to Ireland with her mother to celebrate their Irish roots.
Ann was predeceased by her parents, siblings (James, Jack, Joan & Joe Carter) and her son Kevin.
She is survived by her sister-in-law Nancy Carter and her cat Bubba as well as many loving nephews and nieces and was lovingly cared for in her later years by several of them. Her family would like to express gratitude to the staff and residents of Nevins Nursing Home in Methuen for their care and friendship during the past 8 months.
“Each sunrise brings the promise that our angels are with us, always.”
Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. Her funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. in Saint Mary's of the Assumption Church in Lawrence, MA. Burial will take place in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, also in Lawrence, MA. For online condolences and other information please visit us at www.breenfuneralhome.com.
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