Rose H. Murphy's Obituary
Rose Helen Murphy was born Sept. 8, 1916 in Tacoma, WA to Luigi and Theresa Piazza. She passed away in Lakewood on Jan. 25, 2006Rose attended Stanley and McCarver Schools in Tacoma. At the age of 14, Rose moved to Lakewood to live and work on one of the large estates. It was here that she learned the art of fine food and gracious living. She used these talents for the rest of her life. Rose catered many events over the years and was renowned for her delectable dishes. Many famous people dined on her fine cuisine, including President Eisenhower.In 1938, Rose married Tom, a handsome young soldier from Ulysses, Kansas. They had 61 years of a wonderful life together before he passed away in 1999.During the war Rose was employed in the accounting department at McChord Air Base. Later she worked in accounting at Brown and Haley retiring after 25 years of service.Rose and Tom had been deeply involved in the Lakewood Players and Lakewood Dance Club. Up until this year she was an active member of the Interlaaken Garden Club and the Steilacoom Lake Orthopedic Guild. Se also volunteered at Lakewold Gardens. In retirement Rose and Tom enjoyed their beautiful home and yard on Veterans Drive.Rose was preceded in death by her husband Tom, her parents, her brothers Frank and John Piazza, and her sisters Josephine Stortini, Mary DiPalma and Margaret Hales, and Niece Gloria Jenkins. She leaves to cherish her memory Nephews Joe Stortini, Larry DiPalma, Ken Stortini and Lou Piazza. Also, nieces Vicki Ash, Arlene Glisson, Shirley McCray, Rosemary McKean, Teri Dixon and many great nieces and nephews. We wish to thank the wonderful staff at Heartwood Extended Care Center and Millie, her caregiver, for the loving care they provided Rose this past year.In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Keep Lakewood Beautiful, P.O. Box 39502, Lakewood, WA 98439-0502Viewing will be from 1:00-9:00pm, Wednesday, at Mt. View Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006 in the Mt. View Garden Chapel.
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