Edwina M. Murphy

Edwina Mortimer Murphy of Tilghman passed away Wednesday July 11th, 2007 with family at her side. She was 74. Edwina was born at home on Tilghman Island to the late Randolph Burns and Lillian Berridge Mortimer, on October 13th, 1932. She attended school in Tilghman and St. Michaels in the fall and winter and Northeast in the spring where her family had a fishing camp. She stayed with relatives in the spring of 1949, so that she could graduate from St. Michaels High School. She and her husband to be Daniel H. Murphy built a house on Tilghman during their engagement and were married in that house on February 18th, 1950. After residing in their home that they built together they purchased the home she was born in from her parents in the 60’s, where they lived the rest of their happy life together. Edwina drove a school bus from Tilghman to St. Michaels for many years, while her children were in school, so she could be home when they were home. Her “Bad Boys” from the school bus dubbed her the name “Mad Dog Murphy and her Mean Machine”. They will be her Pall Bearers, which she chose herself. She was always arranging flowers for the church and other organizations in the community. A florist heard of her talent and hired her, and that began a long career of flower arranging. Making a blanket of roses she felt was one of her greatest accomplishments. She was also a caregiver for family and friends, which lead into another career. She took care of her mother “Miss Lill” who lived with her from age 97 till her death at 101 years old. Edwina was a member of the Tilghman United Methodist Church and the past President of the United Methodist Women. She was a CASA volunteer. Edwina was also very active in organizations pertaining to her children, e.g. PTA, Little League Baseball, Bible School, and 4H. Anything her children were active in, she also participated. Edwina was a very busy woman involved in several activities, e.g. hunting, gardening, sewing, dancing, cards, traveling, and cooking. She was known to be a good shoot. She and Dan would clear the dance floor and have an audience. Edwina traveled the world with her Aunt Grace, from the Panama Canal, to flying on the Concord, and endless other trips around the world. Anyone who put their feet under her table knew they were in for a fine feast. Edwina is survived by her husband Daniel H. Murphy; five children and their spouses, Danna M. Murden, and her husband Mike of St. Michaels, Randolph S. Murphy, and his wife Ann of Tilghman and Ninilchik Alaska, Shirley M. Morris, and her husband John of Denton, Richard J. Baynard, and his wife Donna of Trappe, and Carolyn Vynckier, of Tilghman; five grandchildren, Donald Lord, James Baynard, Patience Morris, Emily Baynard, and Taylor Rupp; sister-in-law Kathleen Swartz of Tilghman, Aunt Edna Berridge of Salisbury, and Uncle Ted Weller of Easton, and many cousins, nieces and nephews who loving called her Aunt Winnie. Edwina dearly loved her family and took great pride in them. She was also survived by many many friends, two of whom were very special to her Elise Davis and Rose Garvin who was her friend for over 50 years. In addition, to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister Pauline H. Covington. Services will be held at Tilghman United Methodist Church at 3:00 pm on Sunday, July 15th, 2007, where friends may call one hour prior to the service. The Reverend Howard Embert will officiate. Interment will follow at Tilghman Memorial Cemetery. Serving as pall bearers will be Tony Remekis, Bobby Switzer, Billy Switzer, Robbie Wilson, Greg Wilson, Ricky Harrison, Dennis Jones, Mark Swartz, and the memory of Daryl Larrimore. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Tilghman Volunteer Fire Co. 5979 Tilghman Island Road, Tilghman, MD 21671 or Tilghman United Methodist Church, 5731 Tilghman Island Road, Tilghman, MD 21671. Arrangements are by Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton, MD.

Edwina M. Murphy

July 11, 2007