Masako Imai Murphy's Obituary
Masako Imai Murphy (1929-2026) was a caring, compassionate, dependable, and devout mother, who tenaciously raised three boys on her own. Masako (96) of Lakewood, WA, died of old age on January 18, 2026 in the comfort of her own home where she has resided for the past half century.
Born in Moriguchi City, Osaka, Japan in 1929, Masako had four siblings and was a daughter of a constable, who was treated with prestige. Masako lost her mother to tuberculosis when she was only 16, which left an enduring scar in her life. She graduated from Sennan Girls' High School in Japan soon after the end of the war and received vocational training as a typist. From an early age, Masako was enamored of American movies, especially those starring Shirley Temple, who was only a year older than her.
Masako met her future husband, Vibert A. Murphy, Sr., in Fukuoka City through a serendipitous encounter when she had been invited to go there for a job as a maid. They were married there in 1952. The Murphy family moved to Lakewood, WA, in 1975 where Masako began putting down roots. Masako enjoyed relaxing piano music, gardening, sewing, painting, and collecting family memorabilia. Masako was a pioneer member of Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist organization dedicated to the advancement of world peace.
Masako is preceded in death by her husband, Vibert A. Murphy, Sr., her first son, Vibert A. Murphy, Jr., and her third son, Alvarez I. Murphy. She is survived by her second son, Patrick I. Murphy of Seattle, WA, her first grandson, Nicholas L.I. Murphy, and her second grandson, Kevin M.I. Murphy. Private services will be held at Mt. View Funeral Home, located at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW in Lakewood, WA on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
What’s your fondest memory of Masako?
What’s a lesson you learned from Masako?
Share a story where Masako's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Masako you’ll never forget.
How did Masako make you smile?