Shirley Ann Murphy

Shirley Ann Murphy (Mauro), a resident of the Bay Park community in San Diego, CA, passed away at home surrounded by family on July 2, 2024. 

Shirley was born in Alliance, Ohio in 1938. After graduating high school, Shirley and her parents moved to San Diego, CA, where she began working at Security Pacific National Bank downtown. The bank is where she would meet the eventual love of her life, Pat Murphy. Shirley and Pat were married at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in 1961 and they began to raise a family. 

They moved into a house in Bay Park and raised five children, Michael Patrick, Ann Marie, Theresa Marie, Timothy Patrick, and Brian Patrick. Shirley and Pat became part of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church when they moved to the area, and the church played a pivotal role in Shirley’s life. From volunteering on “Hot Dog Day” when the kids attended School of the Madeleine to eventually taking a job in the church rectory, Shirley’s unwavering faith and commitment to the church community allowed her to shine. She served on St. John’s Guild in the parish for many years and forged lasting relationships with the other members.

 When Shirley wasn’t working or volunteering, she and Pat fell in love with traveling the world. From road trips, visiting National Parks in the US to cruises on oceans and rivers around the world, Shirley fulfilled her love of the outdoors and fascination with other cultures, art, and plants. Shirley was an avid gardener and meticulously maintained a beautiful yard and nursed other people’s plants back to health as well. She loved the small things in life and found delight in miracles of nature, like birds returning to nest in her yard and the emergence of each bloom on her orchid plants.  

Shirley lived a humble life and took more delight in making sure family and guests were taken care of, with every detail planned for dinners or parties of any kind. A fantastic cook and baker, Shirley cooked daily, and shared Pat’s love of good food and great wine.

Shirley is predeceased by her son, Michael and her daughter, Ann Marie.

 She is survived by her loving husband, Pat and their children, Theresa, Timothy, and Brian, and grandchildren: Caitlin Murphy, Sean Murphy, Dominic Higgins, Veronica Lee, Kiera Murphy, Ren Rogers, and Amanda Rogers. 

Funeral Services: July 19, 2024 10am at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 1945 Illion Street, San Diego, CA 92110

You are invited to join Shirley’s family and friends in the Church Hall for refreshments following the service.