Mary Jo Murphy Obituary (1942 - 2022)

Mary Jo Murphy, 80, of Pontiac, passed away November 21, 2022, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria surrounded by her beloved family. Her services will be Monday, November 28, 2022, at 10:00 AM from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pontiac with Father Adam Cesarek. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Pontiac. Her visitation will be on Sunday, November 27, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 2:30 p.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements. Mary Jo was born on June 2, 1942, in Streator to Joseph and Ferne (Meyer) Coughlin. She married Patrick Murphy September 10, 1960, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Odell. He Survives in Pontiac. Also surviving are her children, John Murphy of Pontiac, Kevin (Marsha) Murphy of Dwight, Colleen (Tom) Melvin of Pontiac, and Patti Jo Harty of Pontiac; grandchildren, Matthew, Emily, Katelyn, Megan, Kelli, Kelsi, Patrick, Kristin, Jillian, Nicole; and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Bob Harty; and daughter in-law, Rita Murphy. Mary Jo graduated from St. Paul Grade School and High School in Odell. She worked as an administrative assistant in the health care field for Livingston Manor and OSF St. James Hospital for over 30 years. During that time, she also worked for the Pontiac Elks Club. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pontiac. Those who knew Mary Jo said she was a wise and inspirational woman. She was a mentor to many and had a heart of gold. Her patience and hard work ethic was second to none. She was passionate about serving others and would always go the extra mile. Family was her number one priority. Her fondest moments were with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, who she adored. Her family will continue to live on through her legacy. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Family suggests memorials be made to St. Mary's School or family's wishes. Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.