Paula Jean Murphy

Paula Jean Murphy unexpectedly passed away on September 16th, 2023. Paula was born in Massachusetts to Edward and Vivian Kelley. She spent her early life raising her children in New Jersey before spending later years and eventually passing in Cape Coral, Florida.

Paula grew up in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ with siblings Peter, Susan, and Rick, graduating from Ridgewood High School. She married Richard Armstrong where they had Scott, Kelley, and Amy, before extending the family with Dennis, Jeff, and Margaret after marrying Robert Decker. Paula dedicated her life and love to her six children as a full-time matriarch of the home. She then met her soulmate Frank Murphy who fulfilled her dreams and gave her true love. They married on Valentine’s Day in 1999 and shared companionship until her passing. In 2001, they took permanent residence in Cape Coral, Florida where they shared a beautiful home. 

Paula showed her family and friends the beauty of life through simple moments and memories. In her limited kitchen spaces, she made hearty meals that were remembered even decades after the last taste. She made breathtaking paintings, crocheted, loved to listen to music and make everyone laugh with her quick wit and wacky humor - everyone that had the pleasure of being in her presence could feel the warm glow of her exuberant life and love. She was a woman of strong morals and independence, who knew how to hold her own in the toughest moments. Her memory is already seen in the prettiest sunsets, birds and butterflies, gentle breezes and rainbows. Only goodness and joy followed her. 

Paula was a loving and amazing mother to her children, their spouses and all of her grandchildren:
Scott Armstrong, with Katie and Anna Armstrong
Kelley Trilling, husband Jeff with Jayme and Gabrielle Trilling
Amy Newman, husband Dan with Tyler and Danielle Newman
Dennis Decker (predeceased), with Samantha Decker (mother Janet Thomson)
Jeff Decker, wife Laura with Julia and Kris Decker
Maggie Decker 

A formal service in her honor will be held October 7, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at:
Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home 
187 La Rue Road
Newfoundland, NJ 07435
https://www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com/
 

The family requests that donations can be kindly made to St. Jude Children’ Hospital in her name or towards planting a tree.

Thank you, Paula, Momsie, Nana, for giving us the opportunities to live full, laugh loud, and love deeply. You will be missed.