WESTFIELD: Christina Theresa (Coughlin) Murphy of Westfield passed away at Baystate Medical Center on Friday, January 23, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her cherished husband, Attorney Harold A. Murphy of Westfield, in 2003 and her dear sister-in-law, Marguerite A. Murphy of Westfield, in 2008, Tina leaves her devoted children including daughters, Ann M. Murphy and Cynthia L. Murphy, a son, Harold W. Murphy, all of Westfield, and daughter-in-law, Dr. Judith Bram Murphy of New York City. Her son, Brian J. Murphy, of New York City, perished in the World Trade Center tragedy on September 11, 2001. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Jessica Bram Murphy and Leila Nicole Murphy of New York City and Callahan Ruth Murphy and Zachary Zimmerman and their mother, Donna Duval Bryskiewicz, of Longmeadow. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts on December 7, 1924 to William J. Coughlin who came to America at the age of 10 from County Wicklow, Ireland and Mary Agnes (Gordon) Coughlin of Springfield, Tina was the oldest of six children and a reading buddy of her paternal grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Killeen Coughlin “Little Grandma” of County Wicklow. Tina leaves loving siblings Thelma Coughlin, Mary Elizabeth Coughlin and Marjorie Murray of Agawam and Ralph and Joyce Coughlin of Longmeadow to cherish her memory. She was predeceased by her sibling William J. Coughlin, Jr. Tina was proud of her nieces and nephews and their families including Dr. Kevin and Karen Coughlin of Longmeadow and their children Jared Coughlin of South Bend, Indiana, Taylor Coughlin of Boston and Shayla Coughlin of Longmeadow, Dr. Bret and Nina Coughlin of Longmeadow, and their children, Dr. Ryan and Lynzy Coughlin of Enfield, Connecticut, Lindsay and John Paul Gill of Longmeadow and Shane Coughlin of Longmeadow, and Denise Coughlin and her daughter, Katie Coughlin, of West Springfield. A 1942 Pro Merito graduate of Agawam High School, Tina excelled in the business course of study typing 120 words a minute with perfect accuracy and taking 200 words a minute in shorthand dictation. An administrative assistant at the Springfield office of Connecticut General Life Insurance, now CIGNA, Tina completed programs in Accounting at Western New England University and Community Development at Westfield State University. A lifelong advocate of learning and an avid reader, Tina encouraged and supported the academic pursuits of her family. A dedicated mother, she raised her family while working as a Paralegal and Real Estate Salesperson. President of the Westfield Chapter of the Legal Secretary Association, Tina played Della Street to Harold’s Perry Mason as they helped scores of clients navigate the intricacies of the legal world. Tina enjoyed retirement traveling with family and attending musical events especially shows with her favorite entertainer, Jimmy Mazz. The last six years Tina was blessed with the companionship of Melissa Gorneault, her devoted caregiver, friend and confidante. Tina enjoyed special friendships with Daniel A. Fraro of Somers, Connecticut, David and Constance Champiney of Montgomery, Michael Oberther of Stamford, Connecticut, Dorothy Parenzo of Westfield, daughter-in-law Julia Beaudoin of Belchertown, and The Bram and Rothstein Families of New York City. Tina’s days were filled with joy from her extra special four-legged companion, Jasmine. Calling hours will be held Monday, January 26, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Firtion Adams Funeral Home at 76 Broad Street in Westfield. The funeral will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Firtion Adams followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at 29 Bartlett Street in Westfield. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Westfield following the Mass. firtionadams.com
