Joyce Murphy

Joyce Murphy

Iowa City

Joyce Murphy, 73, lifelong member of Iowa City, passed away on June 30, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospital.

A rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City with a visitation to follow from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Iowa City. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Colorful and vibrant clothing is highly encouraged.

Joyce was born in Iowa City on April 4, 1952 to Bernard and Irene (Huff) Murphy. She attended Central Junior High School and worked as a housekeeper at the University of Iowa Hospital for many years. She also worked at Goodwill where she was awarded Worker of the Year.

Joyce enjoyed participating in Special Olympics, doing puzzles and coloring, listening to music and figuring out word searches. She also enjoyed eating popcorn, especially at the Iowa Hawkeye women’s basketball games where she held season tickets. Joyce was a fiercely independent person whose love of colorful and mismatched clothing matched her personality. Joyce took many trips with Camp Courageous and was a faithful member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Joyce is survived by her siblings: Steven Murphy, Karen (Joseph) Remmers, Joseph (Brenda) Murphy, George (Kathy) Murphy, Helen Murphy, Edward (Deb) Murphy, Dennis (Marlys) Murphy and Sarah (Steve) Fowler as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Kenneth Murphy; sister-in-law, Joyce Murphy; niece, Heather Murphy and great-nephew, Martin Auen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, Special Olympics or Camp Courageous.