Helen M. Murphy

Helen M. (Collipi) Murphy, 81, of Plantation, FL died on Sunday, February 14, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her brother, Ralph Collipi and his wife Joan of Salem, NH, her 4 children; Daniel and his wife Marie of Pelham, NH, Colleen Riley of Plantation, FL, David and his wife Nancy of Belchertown, MA and Dennis and his wife Janet of Merrimack, NH. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Born in Lowell, MA, Helen spent her childhood in Dracut and was a graduate of Dracut High School, Class of 1951. A long time administrative assistant for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, she worked in many departments and mostly enjoyed working with the preservation and operations of the Massachusetts State Park system. While working, she was also an active member of the Tyngsboro School Committee and the Dracut Planning Board. Helen had a wonderful singing voice and enjoyed singing in variety shows and sang with the Sweet Adelines. After retiring she began spending winters in Florida and summers at Long Pond in Pelham, NH before eventually moving permanently to Plantation, FL. Once retired, she was very active in many organizations including volunteering at the Lowell Textile History Museum, ushering at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, serving as an elected member of the Lauderdale West Community Association Board, and working at the Holland America Cruise line. She also enjoyed traveling including cruises to Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and Central America. She made three passages through the Panama Canal. Her love of the outdoors inspired her to begin camping in many locations in the New England region. She especially loved camping and going to the beach with her grandchildren. Visitation Friday 4:00-6:00PM at the T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home 7001 NW 4 Street. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday 10:45 St. Gregory Catholic Church. Cremation will follow. If you wish to make a donation in lieu of flowers, please consider the Susan G. Komen for the Cure or the American Cancer Society charitable organizations.