04/30/2025

Maryann Murphy

Buhrig Funeral & Cremation, Ltd. - Mother of PFDA Member Bob Buhrig

Maryann Murphy, age 78, of Mechanicsburg took her last breath at home on Saturday, April 26, 2025. She let go of this life and took the outstretched hand of God as she was welcomed into heaven. She was embraced by her loving mother and father along with all those who loved her and preceded her into eternal glory. Maryann will be remembered as an amazing human being who loved with her whole heart and soul. She freely gave of herself and practiced compassion, understanding, and tolerance for others. She will be deeply missed by those who had the good fortune to know her.

Maryann was born on Wednesday, March 26, 1947, in Bayside, NY to the late Thomas Joseph Murphy and Regina “Jean” Elizabeth (Munchak) Murphy. In addition to her parents, Maryann is preceded in death by several beloved and spoiled dogs.

Maryann grew up on Long Island in Wantagh, New York, the place she would always call home. She spent countless happy hours making precious memories at Jones Beach with her dear friend Mary Lynn. Maryann graduated from St. Barnabas School in Bellmore, NY as part of the class of 1961 and from Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, NY as part of the class of 1965. She attended Fordham University before leaving school to become a wife and mother. Maryann was a proud full-time mother, wife and homemaker and saw these roles as deeply meaningful and her purpose in life.

Maryann and her family lived in New York, Germany, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and finally Pennsylvania. In 1985, the family dynamic changed and Maryann found herself a single mother raising her four children ranging in age from three to 15. She had no college degree or work experience outside of the home. In the few years that followed, Maryann attended and graduated from Harrisburg Area Community College (associates), Penn State Capital Campus (bachelors), Shippensburg University (masters in counseling), and Dickinson School of Law (Juris Doctor). This all while working part-time, maintaining a home, and raising her four children. She was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court. She was a member of both the Cumberland County Bar Association and the Dauphin County Bar Association.

Upon admittance to the bar, she practiced law and specialized in family law as an associate with Attorney Judith A. Calkins, who she considered her mentor. Maryann went on to open and run her own private practice and later to serve as an attorney with Central Pennsylvania Legal Services. Maryann became a mediator and worked with families to resolve issues while avoiding court intervention. She also served as a volunteer mediator in many disputes brought before the Neighborhood Dispute Settlement program. She was one of the first ten members and later a co-president of the Collaborative Professionals of Central Pennsylvania, the first collaborative family law practice group in the state. She also served as a trained family law mediator and a court-appointed Parent Coordinator before being named a Custody Conciliator in Cumberland County, which was a role that she absolutely loved and which brought her much satisfaction.

Her professional career was dedicated to using her legal and counseling skills and her personal experiences to represent and assist clients through a myriad of family law situations. She used her mediation and negotiation skills to guide cases to resolution. Maryann always focused on the best interests of the children and she helped parents focus on reasonable solutions. She worked well with other attorneys and the parties they represented.

“Her most rewarding legal work she performed was undoubtedly the years she served as a Custody Conciliator in Cumberland County. Her calm and compassionate manner, patience and innate sense of fairness and willingness to listen were great qualities to help parents resolve their custody issues or narrow the issues that needed to be resolved in court.” - Attorney Joanne Clough

“She was the most quietly kind and caring person I’ve ever known. In working with often difficult people in difficult circumstances, she never judged, she just exuded a soothing calm that troubled people responded to instantly. She epitomized the saying, ‘Be Kind, for Everyone is Fighting a Great Battle’. As a result, she was an excellent mediator, conciliator, attorney, and friend.” - Attorney Dawn Sunday

Maryann cherished her friends and held them close to her heart. She always found space for them and was present to them despite the challenges that she herself might have been facing. Her close friends are made up of an assortment of unique personalities and she enjoyed all of them. She accepted people for who they were, not who she would have them be. Their love helped to carry her through the trials and tribulations of her life.

“I loved her wry sense of humor, the sneaky grin and the eye roll - or my favorite quote from her, “one more time, WITH FEELING”. I love her and feel so very lucky to have been part of her world.” - Friend Dawn Sunday

“She had amazing wisdom when discussing problems, and was a good listener. She was always available to chat, even if she was busy. She got me through the most difficult period of my life. I would have probably taken a different path without her always reminding me to take the high road. She told me I’d never regret being fair and she was right. That was how she lived life; be fair and take the high road.” - Friend & Neighbor Karen Evans

Family was Maryann’s heart and soul. She so appreciated her family and she felt blessed to have them in her life. The pride she felt for each and every one of them was immense. To Maryann, there was no better way to spend time than with family. One of her greatest joys was to prepare big holiday meals and to have everyone gathered around the table breaking bread together.

Family was the most important thing in Maryann's life. Her survivors include her four children: Bob Buhrig of Mechanicsburg; Tom Murphy and wife, Dotti, of Palmyra; Sandra Wisner and husband, Justin, of Mechanicsburg; Michael Murphy and wife, Shannon, of Mechanicsburg; her nine grandchildren: Sadie Behrens and wife, Jess; Matthew Schmid; Thomas “TJ” Murphy; Andrew Schmid; Greyson Murphy; Emmalyn Murphy; Tim Templin and wife, Becky; Megan Eakin and husband, Carter; Tyler Templin; her two great-grandchildren: Florence “Flora” Halley and Liam Eakin; her childhood and life-long best friend, Mary Lynn Leach; and her beloved dog, Finnegan “Finn”.

There are so many things that will remind Maryann’s family and friends of her beautiful life, so many things that defined her life. Here are but a few: mother, friend, dog lover, dog spoiler, pinochle player, snow avoider, shoe buyer, Kohl's diva, Karen Carpenter, Air Supply, sarcastic and witty, family holiday cook, greeting card sender, Heinz Ketchup lover, thousand island dressing, movie theater popcorn with butter, and waving goodbye from the door.

All are welcome to join Maryann’s family at her gathering & greeting of friends with viewing on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral & Cremation, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; and her Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 410 East Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 with Reverend Kenneth C. Roth celebrating. Burial will immediately follow the Mass in Mechanicsburg Cemetery. Maryann’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg (next to the funeral home) immediately following the burial. The family encourages you to attend the reception even if you are not attending the Mass.

Maryann’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Maryann’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com