Rosemarie “Rosie” Murphy, age 96, died May 26, 2021 at The Windsor Place in Columbus, MS. She was born on February 8, 1925 in Bellevue, PA, the third of five children born to Joseph Michael Lewis and Mary Ruth Loney. Rosie’s mother died when she was six years old. Following adversity in her childhood, she enrolled in an innovative work-study program at her high school in Lakewood, OH.This led to work in retail at Higbee’s Department Store, where she became an Assistant Buyer and traveled to New York City on business trips.She married John Edward “Jack” Murphy and moved to Beverly Hills, MI, where they had their daughter, Catherine Anne. Rosie was a member of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church for over fifty years and volunteered at William Beaumont Hospital for over forty years. When she was no longer able to visit patient rooms with the candy cart because of her numerous joint replacement operations, she helped in the hospital’s physical therapy pool. This despite her inability to swim and fear of the water!

She was a wonderful hostess and never happier than when planning a party: St. Patrick’s Day and dying her and Jack’s hair bright green. Kentucky Derby Day and everyone wears a unique hat and bets on the winner. Who Shot J.R.? TV Mystery episode. Halloween and always a costume. Their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary celebration at the Birmingham Country Club. Her trip of a lifetime was to Ireland with her husband, sister in law and brother in law.

She moved to Mississippi eight years after the death of her husband and enjoyed the sunshine here. It was always “A pretty day.” She was a lovely lady who could recite poetry, sing more than one verse of a song, had a dry wit and an underlying devilment.

Rosie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack, her siblings and son-in-law, Steven Lee Van Asselt. She is survived by her loving daughter, Catherine Murphy Van Asselt, Columbus, MS; grandsons Scott David Van Asselt, Southaven, MS; Brad Steven Van Asselt, Starkville, MS; Lee John Van Asselt (Angela); great grandsons Ethan Lee Van Asselt; Davis Edward Van Asselt, Birmingham, AL and dear nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Tuesday, June 1 at Annunciation Catholic Church, 823 College Street, Columbus, MS 39701. Visitation in the church atrium is one hour before the service. Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home & Crematory, College Street Location is in charge of arrangements.

“Jesus, I trust in you!” St. Faustina Kowalska