Aileen M. Murphy

Aileen M. Murphy nee Lukefahr, 90 of Denver, passed away on December 31, 2010 at her home.

She was born in 1920 in Bay City, TX and raised in Greeley, NE. Survived by brother Edgar Lukefahr of Iowa; sons Pat (Annette) and Mike Murphy; daughter Joan Holaday; grandsons Chris (Pam) and Mitch Holaday; great-granddaughters Kayla and Tiffany Holaday.

Preceded in death by husband Andrew, son William Murphy, daughter Mary Murphy, and two brothers Sylvester and Bill Lukefahr.

Mom wanted to join the service and become a pilot but was not able to follow that dream because of family obligations. So at age 25 she took flying lessons and flew a Piper J3 plane. She also worked in a Omaha bomber plant during WWII building B29 bombers.

While living in Omaha she was married, and had two children, also went to school and obtained a nursing license and worked in an Omaha hospital before moving to Colorado in the 1950's. After moving to Colorado she had three more children between 1955 and 1960.

In Colorado she worked in nursing homes for awhile then went back to school to learn massage therapy, she worked as a massage therapist for Lake Steam Baths, Denver Athletic Club and private patrons for several years. Then in the mid 1970's she decided to go back into nursing and returned to school for her Colorado license, after receiving her license she did private duty nursing until she retired.

In her 70's mom took up shooting pool and became a very good pool player at Platte Park Recreation Center. Her grandsons bought her a pool cue one year for her birthday so she could keep her game sharp.

She took several trips in her retirement, the one that she enjoyed the most was Ireland, where her mother was born. Highlights of her trip were kissing the Blarney Stone and sampling some of the Pubs.

In 2004-2005 she volunteered with the Volunteers of America. She was a member of Sacred Heart Circle at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.

Her mother was a writer of Poetry and mom also wrote a few poems and short stories. She was generous to people who needed her help, had a soft spot for the elderly and the ill. She was a lover of animals especially horses. She raised five children, worked hard , was strong in her faith and shared what she had with anyone in need. We will miss her great Thanksgiving dinners and her tough love attitude.

Donations can be made to St. John Hospice 1320 Everett Court
Lakewood, CO 80215-4830
(303) 232-7900