Jean Elizabeth Murphy, formerly Jean McIsaac, died peacefully on July 26, 2023, after receiving outstanding care from the compassionate and attentive providers at the Merrimack County Hospice Unit in Boscawen.

Born November 16, 1929, in Concord, N.H., to Marion (McKenna) McIsaac and Arthur "Jess" McIsaac, Jean grew up on Tremont Street, a neighborhood full of families and friends whom she talked about regularly. Jean was predeceased by both her brother, Arthur McIsaac Jr., and her elder sister, Geraldine (MacIsaac) Trenoweth [Beverly, Mass.], whom she looked up to greatly. Geraldine had six children, Jean's beloved nieces and nephews.

Jean was proud of her loving and characterful family, particularly her grandparents Nellie and Frank McKenna. She recalled visiting them frequently; Nellie made homemade donuts as they talked over cocoa, while Jean's grandfather took her for walks at White Park with his beloved pet turkey, Oscar (who walked to Frank's gravestone after he died).

Jean graduated from Concord High School in 1948 with many lifelong friends; Rosemary Stevens, Connie Counter, Viola Minutti, Peg Walsh, Nancy DeStefano, and Faye Crowley were especially dear to her. Following her graduation, she worked at the Department of Motor Vehicles until she was married in 1950 and moved to Ashburnham, Mass., and eventually returned to Concord.

Jean met Dr. Paul Frederick Murphy in April 1950 when walking home on Concord's Wood Avenue. Paul pulled up beside her in his yellow convertible to say hello, and he asked her to the Patrolman's Dance (coincidentally, her father had been Concord's Police Chief for many years). The two were smitten. Paul proposed on July 4 at Newfound Lake, and they were married on November 5, 1950. Jean and Paul shared a love that was generative, rare, and lasting.

Jean lost Paul suddenly on October 24, 1973, leaving her with five children, ages 5, 8, 16, 21, and 22. But she found courage and sustenance from her faith in God, from her wonderful friends, and from a love of walking. Jean frequently attributed her strength to the enduring love of her beloved husband and kept his memory alive until the evening before she died, recounting stories about their life together.

Jean never lost her love of people and animals, nor the uncommon ability she had for connecting with others. She had a special devotion to St. Francis and Mary. She enjoyed traveling with her friends. Jean was proud of those travels and of experiencing a diversity of people. She enjoyed adventures big and small – becoming friendly with the clerks at the Tufts Corner Store in Medford, MA, or at the CVS in Concord brought her as much joy as seeing the Sistine Chapel for the first time.

She was an unmatched supporter of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her deeply. She loved chocolate, Ingrid Bergman films, birds, dogs, and decorating. She was funny and light when called for, while always available to provide rapt attention to someone in need of a listening ear. Everyone who knew her felt they had a friend and ally.

Jean is survived by her five children: Paul F. Murphy Jr. of York, ME, Jean and Obie Barker of Pembroke, NH,  Jonsey and Bo Rainville of Concord, NH,  Sarah Murphy of Boston, MA, and Kathleen and Tim O'Shea of Pelham, NH.  Jean also had 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren whom she adored. They will miss her dearly.

Jean's family is extremely grateful for the care she was given by Granite VNA, Merrimack County Nursing Home and Dr. Nelson, her longtime physician.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Wednesday, August 2nd at 10 AM at Christ the King Parish/ St. Johns 72 South Main St. Concord.