Adrienne’s children were her whole world
THE family and friends of Adrienne Murphy of James Everett Park in Bray are heartbroken at her death, which followed an 11-year battle with cancer, fought with a smile.
Adrienne passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 57.
The grieving family had just said goodbye to Adrienne’s mother Kathleen a few short months ago, in May.
Adrienne will be sadly missed and forever loved by her daughters Chloe, Megan and Lauren, brother Mark, sisters Veronica, Geraldine, Catherine and Susanne, son-in-law, daughterin-law, and all of her relatives and friends.
Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday, September 29, at St Peter’s Church in Little Bray, where Adrienne had enjoyed working for a time.
Her daughters Chloe (24) and twins Megan and Lauren (19) were at the centre of Adrienne’s world. Just like her late mother, she was devoted to her family.
Back in 2009 she received a diagnosis of breast cancer and bravely faced treatment and recovery.
The disease would return six times during the decade, until a couple of months ago doctors said they were unable to do any more for Adrienne.
Adrienne was a strong and beautiful person who lived for her three girls. She faced her illness without complaint and was the type of person to get chemotherapy, and then go out to do the shopping. Doctors told Adrienne’s family that they had never met anyone to battle cancer with such a smile. She loved nothing more than to chat to people when she was out and about, and inherited that trait from her mother Kathleen.
She had a special relationship with Kathleen, who even as a woman in her 70s was still minding her little girl. Kathleen would bring porridge up to her daughter in the mornings, and give her a packed lunch to bring for hospital visits. Adrienne really missed her late dad Francis ‘Inker’ Murphy, who had been a wonderful father and passed away in 2010. She loved to read, and enjoyed going out for walks. She loved a gathering, and would be first on the dance floor and last to leave.
She was bubbly, bright, and very funny. She would have those around her in stitches with her great one-liners and wit. The most memorable thing, though, about Adrienne, was her immense strength in adversity.
She never said ‘why me’ or complained about her lot, but forged on as best she could and kept her spirits high. She had a remarkable attitude, and while her life was cut all too short, Adrienne made the most of the years she had.
People in the community thought so highly of the local woman, whose departure will leave a sad space in the area for many years to come.
Years ago, she worked at Solas in Bray, along with her lifelong best friend Cindy. The two of them had great times and shared many wonderful memories together, having grown up on the same road.
Towards the end, Adrienne’s children were determined that she would remain at home with them and they cared for her around the clock.
They would sit and hold her hand, wet her lips, and were there with her in her final moments.
Adrienne’s family said that the palliative care team, night nurses, HSE staff and Dr Holland in Bray, as well as those working at St Vincent’s hospital had provided exceptional care.