SCARBOROUGH- Patricia “Patty” Murphy, 66, died on June 23, 2025, peacefully at home, with family and friends by her
side. Patty faced death the same way she lived life, with strength, dignity, and compassion, as she
stoically battled the ravages of ALS. To the end, Patty cared more about her family and friends, than she
did for herself. Not one to engage in self-pity, regret, or negativity, Patty called the shots. She remained in
control from start to finish, making sure we all knew we were loved and cherished by her. It was Patty’s
nature to give, rather than to receive.
Born in Biddeford, Patty was the daughter of William and Theresa (Harvey) Murphy. When her beloved
dad died suddenly when Patty was just 11, Theresa was left alone to raise Patty and her then 5 siblings. In
1971, Harley Eastman met and married Theresa, and the family gratefully experienced the love and
happiness of a new dad, as they later welcomed a new brother.
After attending local schools, Patty graduated from Thornton Academy in 1977 and continued her
education at Northern Maine Community College. Graduating with a nursing degree, she started her
career in pediatric nursing at Maine Medical Center, now the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. Working
there for many years, she finished her nursing career at Maine Health Pediatric GI, where she continued
her devoted work with children until 2013. For almost four decades, Patty worked tirelessly and joyfully
helping children (and their parents) receive the best care possible. She was a thoughtful and dedicated
caregiver, who, along with her fellow nurses, loved each child as if they were their own.
Upon Patty’s retirement from nursing, she joined the family business in New Hampshire, managing rental
communities and a busy seasonal campground until the business was sold in 2016.
At the age of 35, Patty had quadruple bypass surgery. Shortly thereafter she met the love of her life,
Alison Luck, and together they lived life to the fullest traveling the world and the US, enjoying adventures
beyond their dreams. Always up for any competition, adventure, or challenge, she and Alison bicycled
across the country in “The Big Ride” for the American Lung Association in 1998. She never tired of the
seven weeks on a bike and remained an enthusiastic cyclist all her life.
She and Alison loved their quiet days at their cottage on Norway Lake, and they enjoyed golf, racquetball,
kayaking, hiking and cross-country skiing along with spending time with their beloved dogs over the years.
Patty was predeceased by her father, William Murphy, her stepfather, Harley Eastman, and her sister,
Linda Murphy.
She leaves behind her loving wife, Alison, her mother, Theresa, and her siblings Sharon Murphy, Julie
Murphy (partner Nancy), Bill Murphy (Eileen), Diana Leach, Buddy Eastman (Tanya), sister-in-law Shelley
Cross (Bob) and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a strong network of incredible
friends, who remained with her, supporting her, encouraging her, laughing and crying with her, until the
end.
Heartfelt thanks are extended to Dr. John Taylor and everyone involved at the Brunswick ALS Clinic, as
well as to Dr. Lauren Desmarais, and all those at Palliative Care and Hospice of Southern Maine. Special
thanks to Lindsay, Kelly and Jill for their expert care and presence during these trying months. Their
profound empathy and compassionate care made this difficult journey less frightening and more
comfortable.
At Patty’s request, there will be no services and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For those
wishing to honor Patty’s memory, contributions may be sent to:
Midcoast Hospital, PO Box 279, Brunswick, ME. 04011 and write ALS clinic in the note field
Or: Hospice of Southern Maine, 390 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, www.mainefuneral.com