May 25, 2010
Humphreys, Murdella
Murdella Josephine (Dean) Humphreys, a longtime resident of Dedham, died Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at the Stanley Tippett Home in Needham after a long illness. She was 84. Murdella was born January 4, 1926 in Boston, Massachusetts. She graduated from Northeastern University in Boston with her Bachelors degree in Business, and worked for several years in the Human Resources Department at Polaroid Corporation. She was a member of the Allin Congregational Church in Dedham, a member of the Dedham Women’s Club, and she enjoyed playing and teaching bridge. Murdella was the mother of the late John A. Humphreys Jr. She is survived by her two daughters, Marla Friedman of Fort Meyers, Florida and Lisa Sheinhite of Norwood; her three sons, Dean Humphreys of Acton, Clark Humphreys of Dedham, and Jay Humphreys of Walpole; her brother, Gordon Dean of Florida; and her four grandchildren, Ross, Jacob and Jesse Sheinhite, and John Humphreys. Visiting hours will be held Friday, May 28th from 4-8 PM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Saturday at 10 AM at the Allin Congregational Church, 683 High Street, Dedham followed by burial in Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham. Donations to the Organ Fund of the Allin Congregational Church, 683 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026 would be appreciated.
Comments(8)
Murdella was the greatest mother in law I could have ever imagined.She taught me so many things about life and loving and having strenght to go on when life got hard.WE had so many great chats and shared so much laughter and love at all our family gatherings.Not only did Murdella give all of herself to her children she always found the extra love and time for my family as well.I will continue to have private chats with Murdella just in a different way.My heart is so sad at his time although I know she is now happy, healthy and care free in her new home.
You are our angel!
To the family of Murdella,
My name is Rita Doherty. I am Jean Fleury’s sister. I was so sorry to learn of Murdella’s passing. I remember her as a sweet, caring person who wore the cutest hats. Please accept my deepest sympathy on your great loss.
Murdella was my dearest friend of many years. We go way back to when our children were young. She was always so cheerful and caring. You could never be sad when Murdella was around. I shall miss her very much, especially our telephone chats of late. I know you shall all miss your Mom. Remember her sweetness and be sure she is in Heaven, suffering no more.
Love to you all,
Jean Fleury
My father was her brother, Gordon Spencer Dean. I recently started a Dean family tree on Ancestry.com and found this obituary. I visited Massachusetts yearly until 1969 when my parents moved to Michigan. Murdella was always wonderful to us on these visits. I can recall Marla (I think) traveling with us to Philadelphia in our 1964 Mustang. It was crowded in that back seat. I still remember the visits to Nana Dean when she would serve strawberry shortcake. Although our families have drifted, I would welcome the opportunity to hear from anyone.
Hi I am Murdella’s Daughter, Lisa. It is coming up to the one year anniversay of her death, and I still think about her everday and wish I could be with her one more time. Thank you all for your kind words about her. She was one of the best people I have ever known. My Mother loved her children so deeply,and she scraficed willingly to provide us with the best childhood anyone could ever have. She was a remarkable Woman and Mother, and we were so fortunate to have her as a role model. You think your ready, but your never ready to lose the most important person in your life.I sure do hope there is an afterlife, so I can be with her again. Thanks for all you did Mom, which was alot of great stuff! Love and Miss you forever.
I believe that I first met ‘Mrs. Humphreys’ when her daughter Lisa was a student at Dedham Junior High School where I taught English. Decades later I met ‘Murdella’ through my sister Jane Houston. My most vivid memory of Murdella took place the day that Jane, Murdella, and I were together at Legal in Chestnut Hill. We laughed, talked, ate, and enjoyed cocktails, too. She was an inspiration who maintained her enjoyment of life no matter her circumstances. Murdella often cared for my dachshund, Greta, when I travelled. She was the only person whom I trusted to care for my pet. Greta and Woody, Murdella’s dog, learned to tolerated each other. I maintain that the best people are pet lovers, and Murdella, for sure, loved her Woody. Ron/Cave Creek, Arizona
I spent many days at the family home in Dedham and always admired this strong, dedicated woman and mother who found time for joy and work. May God keep you and bless you forever, Murdella.
My mother was the hardest working most diligent person. She was totally dedicated to her 6 children and instilled values that we carried with us throughout our lives.
Fearless proud and uncompromising were just a few of her characteristics. I miss you mom and reminisce in my mind often of just how much of an amazing person you were. Thanks for always caring and trying to put your best foot forward and doing the right thing. Love your son Jay