August 4th
Happy times
THE BENCH
The Murphy Family Memorial Bench
This bench was placed here in loving memory of our family members that have passed away in effort to tell their association with this beautiful place….and that they be remembered with love
Sarah Gallagher Murphy –
Sarah was born in Donegal Ireland on September 2nd ,1907 – Sarah dreamed of coming to America.She traveled to Philadelphia at age 21 years old on ship .She worked at Girard College married Martin Charles Murphy at age 23 and had 5 children .Charles ,James, John ( our Father ) ,Margaret and Huey . She worked at the Penrose Strawbridge House just up the drive from here -( now the Horsham preservation and Historic Association She managed the household for Mrs. Welsh Strawbridge from 1962 until she passed away on October 7th ,1991 .One of her favorite pastimes was watching wedding parties come to Graeme Park to have their pictures taken -Sarah was a devoted grandmother and mother she loved the Lord and attended Church daily always praying for those she loved .
John Thomas Murphy Sr.-
John was born on September 22nd 1937 John attended Upper Moreland High school where he played football . He worked as a volunteer fire fighter for the Second Alarmers. He married Florence Marie Murphy and had five children Florence ( Flossie) , Barbara, Margaret, Patricia and John Murphy Jr. John was a dedicated father and worked two jobs his entire life. He worked as a machinist and also worked on The Penrose Strawbridge Estate John also had his own landscaping business. John was a loving father and devoted husband with a fierce work ethic . He loved good music and taking Sunday drives with his family to explore the Philadelphia and Lancaster areas.John passed away on August 18th2009.
Florence Murphy – ( Flossie ) - Flossie was born September 5th 1959 – Raised in Philadelphia -She attended Morrison Elementary School then Olney Highschool – and Graduated from Hahnemann Nursing School College of Allied Health .She enjoyed a career of helping others for 22 years Flossie spent lots of time at the Strawbridges estate- She loved feeding Stump-The Horse apples and sugar cubes when she visited .FLOSSIE was a gentle and kindhearted soul and was always helping other people. Flossie passed away on August 4th 2002 Flossie was a devoted daughter and sister and a gentle soul with a big heart.
John Murphy Jr.-
John was born on February 24th 1970 He was raised in Philadelphia – John attended Wordsworth Academy – John had three children Allen ,Pricilla and Cassandra. He was a dedicated father who always put his children first .
John worked along side his father as a landscaper in their landscaping business. He also worked as a plumbers apprentice and as a construction foreman in masonry until he started his own construction business in 2020. John learned to ice skate on the little pond here at Graeme Park at the age of 4 years old and also worked at The Strawbridge Estate with his father as well . John was a devoted father -brother and son ,He loved his family more than anything in the world. John passed away on June 6th 2021.
Some of our best family memories were created here at Graeme Park and the Penrose Strawbridge House...
Back when life moved a bit slower and life at "The Farm" as we lovingly called it brought us closer as a family. Walking the fields-picking strawberries - petting the sheep and cows - feeding apples to a horse named Stump -
We loved feeding the ducks and the geese and listening to the roosters and chickens brought us happiness and delight . Watching a calf be born and greeting the new born sheep in Spring. Simply sitting on a stone wall talking or exploring the barn. Great memories -Good times....Murphy Family Love.
So feel free to sit a while and enjoy the sound of the waterfall....think about the history of this beautiful place .
Sit and enjoy the peace of this place and think of your own family -
Wishing you Peace and Gods Blessing - The Murphy Family
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Family milestones in gold, history for context
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August 4th
Happy times
August 4th 2026
24 years ago …. Mom Patti and I stopped by - we place flowers on the Bench - it was a beautiful day - the water fall was making g a beautiful sound. A huge hawk was flying over - we brought Flo the pup we named for you . My Darcy passed on the 14th of July this year…We miss her so much .This park is a beautiful place to remember you. We miss you and we keep the love alive- we went across the bridge to NJ to get fresh Jersey tomatoes- the line you loved- we celebrated you today. Love you Forever ❤️ 🌻🌹🌺
Happy Fathers Day
Stopped by to pay tribute to 2 great Dads - the park looks beautiful and the day is perfect
Memories
We stopped by yesterday … 2-24-26 Johnnys birthday- fresh snow and a beautiful big blue sky …. Remembering the first time you ice skated across this lake- Dad told Patti to hold your hand - because it was your first time on ice skates…. I think you were 4 years old - Instead you took off like you were born with ice skates on - like a rocket across the ice… a beautiful forever memory of you at this beautiful park.
Happy Birthday Dad 2025
We stopped by today - the air is crisp …. The seasons are turning. Mom brought red roses for love - I placed yellow roses - for missing you and Patti placed beautiful fall flowers to celebrate the fall season- we miss you and love you -ALWAYS 🌹🌼🌻❤️🍁🌺
Happy Birthday 9-2-25
It’s a beautiful day here at the park the sun is shining and we are remembering you and your beautiful heart. You are the best person in the world and we love you . Happy Heavenly Birthday Gram
8-4-25
Twenty three years ago today - it feels like yesterday. I wish you were here to make sense of everything in a way only you could . Mom Dut and I came to the bench - it’s sunny and beautiful today . The kind of day you would love at the beach - we miss you 🌻❤️🌺
February 24th Happy Birthday Johnny 2025
More pictures from February 24th 2025 your birthday ❤️
Happy Birthday
We stopped by because it was your birthday on the 24th - the sun was out and the weather was mild - the beautiful waterfall was soothing to listen to . We hope people sit here on this bench and take some time to appreciate the beauty of this historic place . We miss you - sending Love ❤️
A beautiful day
We stopped by today and left flowers it’s been 33 years since you past . You would love how they now have wedding here behind the barn in a beautiful venue . I used to love having you tell me about the beautiful bridal parties that would stop in for pictures. We love you and miss you. Coming here and paying tribute brings you back for just a little while . Our family would never have become so familiar with this beautiful place if you had not been employed at Mrs.Strawbridges. Thank you ❤️
August 18th 2024
15 years on this day ….. We miss you - while visiting the park today we met some very nice people resting on this bench enjoying the waterfall and beautiful weather . We introduced ourselves . It was nice to meet them
Today
We come by throughout the year and put flowers on the bench . Holidays , anniversaries and sometimes just to be here in this beautiful peaceful place where our family have so many wonderful memories. Today we saw an Egret flying over just as we were bringing flowers In Johnnys memory as today June 5th 2021 was the last day we saw him to say goodbye. Tomorrow June 6th 2021 was the first day three years ago - that we had to wake up with out him. I hope people see the plaque on this bench and take a moment to think about the loved ones in their lives and maybe take the time to call them and tell them how much they are loved. Or maybe just take the time to remember a loved one,while listening to the waterfall…..
August 4th 2023
We stopped here to remember you today mom brought some flowers and we listened to the water fall and the birds singing. It is a beautiful day- we love you and miss you Flo. You are with us always - in our hearts ❤️
Photos
Sarah- John Sr - Flossie and John Jr
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