Deborah M. Murphy

It is with great sadness that the family of Deborah (Debbie) M. Murphy, 75, formerly of Muhlenberg Township, share of her passing on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

Born on April 20, 1948, Deborah M. Noss, she lived in the Harrisburg/Middletown area most of her life, until she met and married William M. Murphy whom she lovingly referred to as “her Billy”, which is when they moved to the Reading/Temple area.

Debbie was a devoted, wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, grandmother, and great grandmother. Before her dementia worsened, she spent most of her time caring and loving those close to her each day.  She served us always with a smile! Not only was she known by her megawatt smile, that was almost angelic, but also by her genuine ability to be kind in all situations.

Anyone who has had the pleasure of interacting with her, even just in passing,  can speak about her extreme kindness, empathy, and her desire to care for those around her.   She enjoyed spending time with her husband Bill, traveling, caring for her pets, and of course creating all the opportunities she could to spend time with she and Bill’s adult children and their grandchildren, of whom she was so very proud!

After the devastating effects of her disease overtook her ability to reminisce with us about these times of great joy, when visiting you would still be met with that amazing smile!  It is said that the eyes are the window to one’s soul, and that was never more evident, then in the last couple years of visiting with her.  Upon arriving for each visit, you could see that she knew who you were, trusted you and loved you by the sparkle that would appear in her eyes. 

Debbie, is the daughter of the late Harry and Alice (Robinson) Noss.  In addition to her husband, Debbie is survived by her son, Pastor Bryan K. Lingle husband of Michelle L. Lingle of Bradenton, Florida; her daughter Sherry L. Kompare wife of Matthew P. Kompare of Harrisburg; her step-daughters Rachael D. Murphy and Brianna L. Murphy both of Seattle, Washington and her step-son Ian C. Murphy husband of Heather Murphy of West Milford, New Jersey.   Additionally, Debbie has 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  Mrs. Murphy is also survived by her siblings, Harry Noss of Lemoyne, Pennsylvania; Janet French wife of Buddy French of Florida and Linda Noss of Middletown.  She was preceded in death by her 2 great grandsons.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at East Shore Baptist Church, 6721 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 3:00pm.    The family will receive relatives and friends at East Shore Baptist Church starting at 2:00pm until just prior to the start of the service.  

Bean Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 1605 Rockland Street, Hampden Heights is in charge of arrangements.