Elaine D. Murphy

   Elaine D.  “Sammy” (Lesmerises) Murphy, 75, of Manchester died November 9th surrounded by her family, Sweet Janet O’Sullivan - representing for the Irish Six-Pack and Eileen O’Connor who appeared at the door at just the right time, to bring her clan’s bon voyage as well. 

   Born in Manchester, NH on November 24, 1946, she was the daughter of Germain “Babe” and Yvonne “Babe” (Goulet) Lesmerises of Foch St., Pinardville.  (Yes, she is related to whatever Lesmerises you are related to or know)

   She graduated from St. Marie High School in Manchester in 1965. 

Before the founders of PETA were a twinkle, Sammy was springing animals from a testing lab at one of her first jobs in Bethesda, MD.  (Apparently, the purpose of large deep pockets in lab coats is to smuggle mice and baby chicks to safety - suffice it to say that job didn’t last). On her return to Manchester, she worked at The “88” Restaurant (that’s The Strangebrew for the rest of you).

   She was a total smoke show and quickly got over being a waitress for obvious reasons (if you know, you know).  Her last place of employment at New England Telephone Company led to her meeting the love of her life. 

Her co-worker’s husband had a best “friend”. 

   That led to a blind date and 2 years later on April 21st, 1972 - a marriage of 48 years to her soulmate, Ed “Hot Ice the Lawyer” Murphy.  

That was a love for the ages.  When he died suddenly 2 years ago November 5th, 2020 her heart broke, and science has never found that cure. 

   Sammy was a ringer on her bowling team, and dragged them down with her handicap. But they still managed to win despite her. 

   Sammy loved flowers and being the hostess with the mostest to all. 

Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and St Patrick’s Day at “Murphy’s” are legendary. 

   She loved her daughters and she loved them most when they didn’t speak to her before 9 in the morning and after 2 cups of coffee. However, when it came to her beloved grandsons there were no time constraints, coffee, no coffee, the world revolved around them. Hop in bed with her and grandpa, show up before school to bring the newspaper in from the front walk, come running into check the “chair fairy” spots for chocolate or cash. 

   She was predeceased by her husband, Atty. Edmund J. Murphy in 2020 and infant daughter Elizabeth Tara.

   Family members include her daughters, Valerie Murphy (Sarah) of Pittsfield, Jennifer Murphy Park (Chris) of Manchester; grandsons, Ethan, Payton and Wyatt Park; her sister, Diane Roy (Paul); myriad nieces and nephews; her numerous Lesmerises cousins and last but never least, all the innumerable friends, who are all our family by affection. We wish we could name you all, but the Union Leader doesn’t print 2 editions anymore. 

   And greatest of all, her lifelong friends, Claire (Gauthier) Vaillancourt and Irene (Larochelle) Bergeron.  (We know some of the stories, we want more! She can’t shush you now!) And to all her “Bored Members”,  please keep the Backroom in business and always order her a Margarita with salt!  A votre sante!

   SERVICES: Calling hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., corner of North St, will be Wednesday (11/16 from 4 to 7 p.m.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St Catherine’s Church on Thursday (11/17) at 10 a.m. followed by internment at Mt Calvary Cemetery. 

   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to either the Breast Cancer Association, Doctors without Borders. 

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