Elaine C. Murphy of Manchester, NH passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026 with several members of her church family by her side after a period of declining health. Born on December 5, 1941, Elaine was the dearly loved daughter of Edward H. Murphy Jr., and Lillian Mattson Murphy and niece of her aunts, Florence Mattson Anderson and Ethel Mattson.

She loved the home on Appleton Street in Manchester that her grandfather Edward Henry Murphy, Sr. built in 1886. Considered to be the family homestead by his many descendants, it was passed down to Elaine’s father, Edward Henry Murphy, Jr., and then to Elaine, who lived there her entire life. A proud 1959 graduate of Manchester High School Central, Elaine worked at New Hampshire Insurance throughout her career.

Her grandfather Mattson, an immigrant from Sweden, helped build Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Manchester in the 1880s, where Elaine became a lifelong member and developed her strong and lasting faith. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, served on multiple church committees including the church council, volunteered her time and talent to endless church activities, and played piano when the organist was absent. She found great joy in the children at Gethsemane and was touched that they called her “Aunt Murphy.” Church members surrounded Elaine and served as her family after her last parent died in 1976.

A highlight for Elaine was her many visits to Camp Calumet in Freedom, New Hampshire, where as a child, she went as a camper, and as an adult she attended Gethsemane family camp weekends and women’s retreats. She loved swimming at Calumet and also went to lakes, beaches, friends’ pools, and town pools starting in childhood. Elaine continued swimming until 2024. Another passion she had was going out to lunch with friends. She was a social person who took genuine interest in the people she knew and met. Elaine loved all animals and would always greet dogs when out and about. However, her love for cats was evident in the many she owned, starting as a child when she brought home her first stray. Cats also appeared in art on her walls, decorations on clothing, and items in her home.

Among the many individuals who spent time with and looked out for Elaine were her dear friend Francis Hastings, neighbors Roger and Diane LeCerte, and her many friends and supporters from Gethsemane Lutheran Church.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 27 at 10:30am at Grace Episcopal Church in Manchester, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Camp Calumet, PO Box 236, West Ossipee, New Hampshire 03890.

To view Elaine’s online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester, NH.