Joy Patricia Murphy Painter peacefully left this world on September 2nd, 2024 at the age of 94 with her two sons by her side. Joy was born March 16th, 1930, in Norwalk Connecticut to Marion Coates Murphy and Charles Aurthur Murphy. She had two older brothers, Charles Arthur Jr. and John (Jack) Coates Murphy. She lived with her family in Norwalk and Wilton Connecticut and attended Bolton School for Girls (now named Greens Farms Acadamy). She found the love of her life in Lieutenant Everett Gordon Painter of Darien Connecticut. They were wed in Norwalk and had three children, Patty, Scott, and Jeff. After Everett's passing, she lived in Rowayton until 1958 when she married John Andrew Painter Jr. and they lived together in Ridgefield Connecticut. They had two daughters, Linda and Missy. The family resided in Redding Connecticut from 1970 to 1980. She worked as an assistant for an orthodontist in Ridgefield Connecticut and taught English and Reading as second language to children in Danbury until she retired in 1999. She then moved to Virginia near her son Jeff and her grandchildren. Joy was a dedicated mother and wife who loved her children, her extended family and close friends. She had a very special place in her heart for her children's spouses; Dennis Repole (deceased), Rosie Painter, Flo Painter, Frank Baglione and Mike Gardner. Among her passions were horses and horsemanship, gardening and landscaping. She treasured the many dogs and cats who made their homes with her over the years. She and Drew were active in organizing the Redding horse show for several years to raise money for the Redding Boys Cub. Joy enjoyed hosting fabulous dinner parties for her friends and carried the tradition into tea parties with her grandchildren. She had a keen eye for making flower arrangements, decorating and she especially loved the holidays and any occasion she could put her creative flair on display. In later years Joy pursued her passions of gardening, bird watching and watching professional bull riding. She leaves with her family the traditions of holiday baking, crafting, and a sense of wonder and joy beholding the beauty of nature and its creatures that are all around us. She was known as a hard worker, an industrious woman that instilled this virtue and work ethic in her children. She was a firm believer in the importance of a good education, the arts, athletics, nutrition, and giving back to the community. She loved family traditions, nature and her New England roots. Those that met her would comment on her pretty blue eyes, and lovely smile. Everyone appreciated her sweetness and those that got to know her, enjoyed her many family stories and her values. Joy was predeceased by her parents Marion and Charles Murphy, her brothers Charles Jr., and John (Jack) and her husbands Eve and Drew. She is survived by her five children Patty, Scott, Jeff, Linda, and Missy. Eleven grandchildren, Corinne and Jessica, Sarah and Alexa, Gordon (Tiffany), Evie, Jon, Lydia and Naomi, Rory and Tessa. Two great-grandchildren Jade and Everett and many nieces and nephews. Joys' nephew, Charles (Chuck/Murph) and Kat Loewen are family members who were very close to Joy. "Beyond the fields, beyond the hills, beyond our farthest sight. There is a home, where all is peace, A place of endless light... Although we cannot see that world, With faith we understand That somehow loving thoughts will find Our loved one in that land." - Constance Graham Parker A Memorial will be held for Joy on October 26th at 1pm, at the home of Florence and Jeff Painter in Amelia Court House, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, family requests to please consider a donation to the 'Wild Horse Refuge' or 'Global Down Syndrome Foundation' in her honor. Details are provided below. The following are quotes and poems which Joy left for her family and friends: Burn what is left of me and scatter the ashes to the winds to help the flowers grow. If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses and all prejudice against my fellow man. If by chance you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or a word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever. -Robert N. Test "Old things make me happy. I think nostalgia is one of life's best medicines, and so made a decision to surround ourselves here with things of bygone eras and simpler times." - Author Unknown You have to live as though you make a difference. -Author Unknown A Message for Everyone- "If you are ever going to love me, Love me now, while I can know The sweet and tender feelings, Which from true affection flow. Love me now While I am living Do not wait until I'm gone And then have it chiseled in marble, Sweet words on ice-cold stone. If you have tender thoughts of me, Please tell me now. If you wait while i'm sleeping, Never to awaken, There will be death between us, And I won't hear you then. So, if you love, even a little bit, Let me know it while I am living So I can treasure it." Family Blessing/Prayer: God, bring together and keep our families in love and mutual support. Infuse each member with understanding. Instill love and affection, peace and forgiveness, respect and care in all our hearts and homes. Amen -Author Unknown

Wild Horse Refuge
24319 County Road 17, Craig CO 81625
Tel: 1-303-536-0118
Web: http://www.wildhorserefuge.org

Global Down Syndrome Foundation
3239 E. 2nd Avenue, Denver CO 80206
Email: info@globaldownsyndrome.org
Web: http://www.globaldownsyndrome.org