Irene Murphy

Murphy, Irene (Sylvester) of Melrose formerly of East Boston and Revere passed away surrounded by her loving family on September 22, 2025, at the age of 91. Born in Boston on October 3, 1933, to the late Ernest Sylvester and Mary (Schifino). Beloved wife of 59 years to the late Robert E. Murphy.

Irene was an extraordinary blend of strength and kindness, a woman who found great joy in her family and the simple pleasures of life. Her love for her family drove everything she did. Nothing made her happier than a kitchen full of family. She was also a dedicated employee, first at Stop & Shop, where she easily balanced work and family, and later in the accounting department of Harbor National Bank and Patriot Bank in Boston. Irene was never defined by her work. She was an extraordinary cook and baker, a passionate traveler, an enthusiastic participant at Happy Hour, and a card shark, having played Poker weekly with a group of friends for over 50 years. She never won. Irene was the happiest when it was 5:00 Happy Hour on Butler Field surrounded by her family. She was an avid Frank Sinatra fan.

She was a devoted mother of Robert J. Murphy and his wife Jane of Melrose, retired Cpt. Michael J. Murphy and his wife Debra of Middleton, David J. Cable-Murphy and his wife Gillian of Scituate, John J. Murphy and his wife Janel of Groveland, and Janet M. Murphy and her husband Gary Hickey of Lexington. Former loving mother-in-law to Wesley R. Krol of Andover. Cherished grandmother of Sarah Murphy and her husband Adrian Haimovich and their 2 children, Robert E. Murphy, Michael J. Murphy and his wife Tricia and their 3 children, Alexyss Femino and her husband Christopher and their 2 children, Kate S. Cable-Murphy, Cole P. Murphy, Hester K. Murphy, Owen W. Krol and his wife Emily, Olivia A. Krol and her fiancé Christopher McKenna. Also survived by many caring friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or at www.stjude.org.

Throughout her life, Irene's loving, funny, and loyal nature touched countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy of love, laughter, and friendship. In celebration of Irene’s life, we invite you to share your memories and upload photos to the memorial page at www.buonfiglio.com.