Judith Ann Murphy went to be with the Lord on September 18, 2019 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was born on May 10, 1936 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of the late Dr. Stanley Heyner and Pauline Heyner. Judith spent her youth with her three brothers, surrounded by a strong family bond and passion for education and medicine in particular. She lived through WWII in Detroit were she remembered the air raid drills and blackouts of the time. Judith was always an avid reader and student, and at the young age of 16, Judith was accepted to the University of Michigan where she went on to get three masters degrees in Education, English and Psychology as well as most of her PhD in Psychology before turning her focus to motherhood. Judith and her husband at the time, the late J. Lee Murphy, had three boys, Joseph, Paul, and John. While being a loving mother, Judith enjoyed modeling throughout Michigan and Chicago and was active in a number of organizations around town, not the least of which was her small, but beloved Pony Club. She later went on to work in advertising, where she excelled in analysis and planning and eventually became the Executive Vice President for Alexander Marketing. Judith dearly loved her work and the people with whom she worked, as well as horses and horseback riding, although motherhood was always her greatest joy. Judith is survived by her three beloved sons Joseph (Maya), Paul, John (Nahid), and daughter-in-law Cathy Cornelius, as well as her adored grandchildren Matthew (Colleen) Murphy, Michelle (James) Burkhardt, Noah Murphy, Elizabeth Murphy, Colin Murphy, Caitlin Murphy, and Shannon Murphy and leaves behind one great grandchild, Natalie Burkhardt. Judith is also survived by her dear brother, Dr. Fred Heyner, as well as numerous nieces and nephews including, Stephanie Greenwood. Judith is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Dr. Conrad Heyner and Dr. Greg Heyner. Judith was very connected to her faith and welcomed her next life with her dear Lord. A private, family Mass was held Saturday, September 21, 2019 at St. Robert in Ada, MI with her loved ones in attendance.
