Mary Murphy

Mary Kathleen "Marikay" Murphy, age 68, passed away on September 4, 2024.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Mary's honor on September 27, 2024, from 1PM-4PM at McCoy's Copper Pint in Shakopee, MN (1710 Crossings Blvd, Shakopee, MN 55379). All friends and family are invited to come share their favorite stories and memories about Mary.

Mary was born on October 17", 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to William and Claire (Jackson) Kniewel. Mary spent her earlier years in the Chicago, IL area, after which, she moved to Minnesota, where she was later introduced to the love of her life, Steve, by a mutual friend.

Steve and Mary were married on June 24", 2006, on the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota. Mary had a long, fulfilling career at Power Process Equipment where she met many friends and eventually retired.

Mary was an amazing woman who loved and cared deeply for everyone around her. Her family meant the world to her, and she poured her heart into making sure they knew it. Mary never forgot a birthday or special event and she had a knack for giving the most thoughtful gifts, ensuring they were always just the right thing. Mary adored her grandchildren and looked forward to their visits where she spoiled them endlessly. As spoken by her 4-year-old granddaughter, "Grandma Mary was very good at loving us!"

A good novel and the tranquility of a beautiful day was one of Mary's favorite pastimes. She was happy just sitting in a rocking chair enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Mary always looked forward to family vacations and any time spent shared with her loved ones. Mary had a competitive nature about her, which she often showed particularly at family gatherings while playing a game of Euchre, bean bags, and shaking dice. She also enjoyed her bingo outings with her neighborhood girlfriends.

Her quick wit and sassy humor were enjoyed by all.

Mary loved all animals, but she had a particular soft spot for dogs and giraffes. She was a fun-loving person who could chat your ear off and always looked out for everyone. If you knew Mary, you would be a better person because of it and if you were loved by her, you felt it.

Mary is survived by her husband, Steve Murphy; stepsons, John (Kristin) Murphy, Matthew (Kayelon) Murphy, and Mark (Libby) Murphy; grandchildren, Ehlowyn, Elondra, Ezrielle, Evander, and Maya; siblings, Gail (Chris) Johnson, Greg (Doyoung) Kniewel, and Barb Ritchie.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Claire Kniewel; brother, William Kniewel and; brother-in-law Mike Ritchie.