Alice Romanie Murphy
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Alice Romanie Murphy was born in Lynd Minnesota on November 8th, 1924 to Joe and Yvonne DeWispelaere and grew up in Ivanhoe, Minnesota. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Minnesota. During this time she met and married John F Murphy in 1955 and later divorced. She went on to teach for several years at the St. Paul Public School System before she moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where she taught at St. Joseph’s Cathedral Elementary School. She also completed two years of post-graduate work at the University of South Dakota.
Alice lived in Elk Point South Dakota from 1962 until 2009. She became heavily involved in politics well into her eighties, participating in several local, state and national campaigns, highlighted by her attendance at the 1972 Democratic National Convention. Alice enjoyed singing opera and actually recorded several records over the years. As part of her singing career, she also spent countless hours performing at various local community theaters. Alice also enjoyed planning and participating in the Lewis and Clark Heritage Days in Elk Point and also worked at the Vermillion Area Arts Council.
Alice was survived by her son Tim and his sons Colin and Brock, and her daughter Catherine (Todd) Bird and children, Ashley, Michael and Trevor and her great grand daughter Amelia. She is also survived by several special nieces and nephews; Michael Murphy, Betsy Kramer, Terry Egge, Laurie, Dan, Angie and David DeWispelaere. Alice was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Yvonne DeWispelaere, two brothers, Alphonse and Maurice and a sister Mary.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, Kansas. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, February 15 2023 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elk Point, South Dakota. Burial will be at a later date in Minneota, MN.
Honorary Pallbearers; Colin Murphy, Brock Murphy, Michael Bird and Trevor Bird.
I am truly sorry to hear about your mother. Knowing this is a difficult time for you, I am sending prayers for your peace and for your family.
Omg I will be for ever grateful for the love that your mother gave me! And the friendship I had with Catherine! My memories are so sweet! I am so sorry to hear of the passing of a great woman . My God mother God rest her soul!
Thinking of you all and sending hugs. Love u Joyce and Chuck Haley
Alice was a great, powerful, loving, funny soul, who cherished her children. I knew her in the eighties when Tim and I had a great run as a couple. She supported us, was so fun, took care of her mom, her home, her kids, her community. It was a privilege to share part of her journey. Her soul was huge and complex and loving. What a gift she is to your family.
We will never forget that we live in Alice Murply’s house. RIP
So sorry Tim, Catherine, and families! Aunt Alice was an inspiration to us all. Her energy, enthusiasm, and determination is rarely found. She will be missed. My love to you all.
My heart goes out to all of Alice’s relatives, as I say goodbye to my twelve-year friend. She led such a full life.
When a wonderful friend becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Catherine, Tim and other family members, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tim
While I was growing up, John and Alice were Elk Point’s original “power couple.” Their home was always full of life and politics. The last time I remember everyone being together, McGovern spoke in their backyard.
Mother remained close to Alice for the rest of mother’s life, long after Alice and John separated. I remember Alice being kind and fun, with an infectious laugh that filled the room. God bless your family as you say goodbye to a wonderful lady.
Mary Slattery
SFSD
Many Thanks to those who have called, sent flowers and condolences, & attended today’s service (on Super Bowl Sunday) !
All this has helped Tim & I so much at this difficult time! Much Love to all! Thanks again also, to Lisa from W.M. for ALL your fantastic help! Sincerely, Catherine
Tim and Catherine, sending warm thoughts and prayers to you. Your mom was a special lady and will be missed by many.
So many memories of my dear Aunt Alice! We used to run away from you & Aunt Mary when we were kids to avoid your kisses!! Now I wish we could hug you again ( forget the kisses!!😝)!! You always made my Mom, Dad & us kids feel welcome for our annual early Easter dinner at your beautiful home with red carpet! Years went by and we kept in touch by letters & phone calls as I was 4 thousand miles away in Alaska but you managed to visit twice!! The last visit was in 2007 and you had sold your big, lovely home in Elk Point and wanted to see your nieces and do some traveling. So up you came for 2 months and you took boats rides, picked blueberries, walked around the Alaska State Fair on a hot, crowded, weekend day! Sorry Aunt Alice, the things we put you through but you were a trooper! Like tenting on the ground at Wonder Lake in Denali Park in a too small of sleeping bag, a sleepless night but you were awake to keep the bears away! 😉 Oh my, at least you had some good stories to tell!! I’ll always remember our good times and you, you were one of a kind, inspirational, and had a “can do” attitude! We’ll miss you Aunt Alice!! Love you Tim , Catherine, Todd & your families, our hearts go out to all of you!
Tim and Catherine and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. Your mother was a loving and giving person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.