Penelope A. "Penny" Murphy

Townsend – Penelope A. “Penny” (Aucoin) Murphy, 69, passed away peacefully on August 22, surrounded by her loving family and comforted by the prayers of her priest. Penny was born in Waltham, MA on July 12, 1957, a daughter of the late Alphonse and Jeanne (McAvoy) Aucoin. After graduating from high school, Penny completed her training as a Home Health Aide and devoted many years to caring for others. A devout Catholic, Penny was a parishioner and CCD teacher at St. John’s Church in Townsend for many years. Penny loved art and expressed her creativity in many ways, including a natural talent for photography. She especially enjoyed her time working with the Townsend Times newspaper. In her younger years, Penny found joy in ceramics, painting, and crafting. She also loved entertaining, whether celebrating holidays or hosting family during their travels, she simply enjoyed being together. Some of her favorite trips were summer vacations to North Conway, visits with family in New York and on the Cape, and a good beach day at Salem Willows. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed. Penny is survived by her children, Joseph Murphy of Worcester, Michael Murphy and wife Jessica, and their child Aidan Murphy; her daughter, Erin Murphy of Townsend, and Dennis Murphy Jr. and his wife Kendra of New Ipswich, NH; sisters, Michele Leary of Waltham and Catherine Lee of New Jersey. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, April McCreary, Frederick Leary, Sean and Tiffany Lee, Joseph, Andrew and Diane Svede, as well as their spouses and extended families. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 38 years, Dennis J. Murphy; her mother and father in law Joseph and Gertrude Murphy, sisters in law Rosanne Svede and Clare Murphy. Calling hours will be held in the Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main St., Townsend on Thursday, September 3rd from 4:00 - 7:00pm. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 4, at 10:00am in Saint John's Church, 1 School St., Townsend, MA, followed by burial in Hillside Cemetery. Flowers may be sent, or please consider a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society at American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or at cancer.org

Penelope A. "Penny" Murphy

July 12, 1957 - August 22, 2026