Florence Schwalm Murphy

Florence Schwalm Murphy, 78, of Camillus, daughter of Arthur Schwalm and Caroline Gaebel, passed away Friday at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. Born and raised in Watertown, "Dutchie" graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy and Watertown School of Commerce. Florence is preceded by her parents, her brother, David Schwalm, in 1971, and her husband Robert B. Murphy, in 2012. Florence and Robert celebrated 54 years of love and marriage. Together they leave a legacy of family, friends, and special memories. Florence is survived by her children, Rhona and Jimmy Quinn of Syracuse, Caroline and James Bianchi of Auburn, Brien and Dale Murphy of York, PA, Michael and Lisa Murphy of Reston, VA, Robert A. and Lisa Murphy of Aiken, SC, Bradford and Sanjeewa Murphy of Cincinnati, OH and David Murphy of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Brien, Adam Jeffrey, Rachel Bianchi, Olivia Klaben, Caitlin, Shannon Murphy, Joshua (Heather) Murphy, Jessica (Leo) Hanson, Ryan Murphy, Taylor, Allison, Reid and Meghan Murphy; great-grandchildren, Travis, Dallas, Sawyer and Hope Bianchi, Harper Florence Klaben, Logan Hanson, John and Benjamin Murphy; and many nieces and nephews who celebrate her life and laughter. Florence raised her children, tended her flowers, and fostered hope and friendships throughout her life. She invested in the lives of several other children both in her home and in the community. While a Girl Scouts of USA Leader, Florence led her troop of more than 20 teenage girls to the Girl Scout National Center West located in Wyoming, among the Big Horn Mountains. She spent 18 years with Community General Hospital in the Wellspring Breast Care Clinic, retiring in 2002, and recently volunteered as a teacher's assistant for Mrs. B's Little School for two years. She served as a communicant with St. Joseph's Church and was an avid Syracuse Crunch and SU basketball fan. Florence cherished her quiet reading time and looked forward to out-fishing “Murph” in the fresh-water lakes of Canada. Visiting her daughters and sons throughout the US and spending time with her community of friends brought her joy. She loved playing and laughing with her grandchildren. She represented her faith and generation beautifully. Relatives and friends may call Wednesday, April 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 16 at the funeral home and at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church where a funeral Mass will be celebrated. Florence will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Flo Flo's Closet, c/o Mrs. B's Little School: 29 Elm Hill Way, Camillus NY 13031.