Carol A. (Hanley) Murphy

Vising hours will be held Thursday morning from 9:30-11:30 at the Alexander F. Thomas and Sons Funeral Home 45 Common Street Walpole followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Blessed Sacrament Church Walpole at 12:00.  Interment at Terrace Hill Cemetery Walpole, relatives and friends invited. 

 Carol A. Murphy, affectionally loved by family and friends departed from this world unexpectedly Saturday April 5th. Leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and cherished memories.  Born October 4th, 1940, in Boston. Carol grew up in Charlestown, before moving to Hyde Park and then settling in Walpole for over 30 years. Carol was a kind, loving, compassionate and funny woman who brought joy to everyone who knew her. Carol’s joyful spirit was a constant source of comfort to her family and friends, and her presence was a gift to all who knew her.

Carols life was beautifully intertwined with that of her husband, Tom Murphy, who sadly preceded in death in December 2024. Together they shared a remarkable 66 years of marriage, a testament to enduring love and partnership. Carol and Tom raised a family of five sons. Timothy and wife Sarah of Bradenton, Florida, Stephen and wife Faith of Duxbury, Michael and wife Kim of Readville, Paul and wife Michelle of Readville, Kevin and partner Polly of Charlestown. Carol’s legacy continues through her fourteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren: Meaghan Coleman, husband Scott and son Nathan, Benjamin Murphy wife Kathryn, daughter Reegan and son Ronan, Taylor Murphy and sons Tommy and Teddy. Hannah Paparo, husband Isaac and son Boaz. Shannon, Sean, Matthew, Conor, Kelsey, Nolan, Patrick, Kara, Mia and William Murphy. Carol was so proud of each one. Carol’s brother Robert Hanley and wife Mary remember Carol as a loving sister and friend. Carol was predeceased by her siblings Joseph Hanley, Patty Ruggiero husband Joe, Joan Scanlon husband Jackie, and Paul Hanley wife Kathy.  Carol also has two dear friends her sister in laws Mary Murphy and Anne Barrett. Carol was the daughter of the late Joseph and Elsie (Park) Hanley. Carol also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved and adored her.

Carol was married to her High School sweetheart Tom for sixty-six years. She was eighteen years old when she was married to Tom when they started their journey together. Carol dedicated thirty years as a job coach working with special needs students in the Boston Public schools.  Carol was a devoted Catholic who attended mass every Saturday at 4pm with Tom.  She enjoyed going on cruises to Bermuda for many years. She loved to spend the Holidays with family and still loved to cook Thanksgiving dinner in Walpole.  She loved when May came around, and Papa Murph would get the pool ready for the summer. We would spend almost every weekend poolside in Walpole together as a family having cookouts and wiffleball games.  Carol would also love her trips to Hampton Beach to get her clams and fried dough.

It is truly with the heaviest heart that we must write this about Carol. She was so loved and still had so much love to give. She was an incredible care giver to her husband Tom as he faced his battle with Cancer up until the very end. Her resilience in the face of adversity was a testament to her character.  Sometimes in life you must face many heartbreaking experiences, however, knowing that carol is rejoined with her soul mate, Tom, brings a little peace to all our hearts. As we remember Moma Carol, Nana Murph, we will cherish her funny laugh, quirky sayings, birthday voicemails, and funny photos. We will never forget the immeasurable amount of love she brought to all our lives. Her legacy is one of unwavering love, kindness, compassion and a life lived to the fullest. Her spirit will live on in the hearts forever.  Carol will be profoundly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol A. (Hanley) Murphy, please visit our floral store.