Mary Phyllis Fintak Murphy

Mary Phyllis Fintak Murphy passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Harmony Independent Living in Elkhart, Indiana.

Mary was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on January 13, 1927, to parents Felix Frank Fintak and Mary Agness Marshak Fintak.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Murphy, daughter Megan, and brothers Edmond and Gerald.  She is survived by sons Michael (Nancy) of Prescott Valley, AZ, Kevin (Martha) of Waynesville, NC, and daughter Maureen Pietryga (Tom) of Irvine, CA. She also leaves behind grandchildren Murphy O’Toole Cleary, Erin O ‘Toole, Andrea Hardesty, Lesley Cahalan, Jenna Murphy, Jason Pietryga, and Lynn Pietryga along with 4 great grandchildren.

Mary graduated from Oshkosh State Teacher’s College and taught English until she married John Murphy in 1949.  She enjoyed gardening and playing bridge with her lady friends at the Elks Country Club.  She was always interested in current events and watched the Eclipse on TV the day before her death.

Mary was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Elkhart.  Burial will be on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 12:30 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery in Elkhart.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Heart to Heart Hospice 1178 Fremont Court, Suite 2, Elkhart IN 46516.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Elkhart General Hospital for their amazing medical care.  Much gratitude to the staff at Harmony and Hospice for their gentle care as she neared the end of her life.

The care of Mary Murphy has been entrusted to Wally Mills Zimmerman Funeral Home of Elkhart. An online memorial registry is available at “Obituaries” at wmzfh@aol.com.