In Loving Memory

April 2, 1949-September 8, 2026

 

Susan Murphy passed away peacefully on September 8th, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by her family. She was born Susan Joyce Stegmaier on April 2nd 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri to Mary Martha Jakovac and Bernard Xavier Stegmaier.  

 

Susan’s maternal grandparents were immigrants from Croatia. Because of this, she had a strong connection to Strawberry Hill in KCK. She attended St. Francis Elementary School, where her fondness of nuns originated. In fact, as a young child, it was her dream to become a nun one day. After her time at St. Francis, she attended St. Teresa’s Academy, where she met many of her lifelong friends. Susan fell in love with and married her husband Timothy Murphy at a young age. Susan had her first child, Kara, in 1967. She had her second child, Timothy, in 1974. She was a beautiful mother, and a kind and gentle soul. Susan had more friends than you could count. Very few people met her and didn’t adore her. She was always willing to help people out whenever they were in need. She even worked jobs for the sole purpose of having money to gift to others. Susan was always willing to do whatever to make her children and grandchildren happy, and was loving to everyone and anyone she knew. She had a magical, easy-going way. She was a very creative person and enjoyed writing letters and notes. She was a warm and wonderful host, and almost all family holidays were hosted at her house, most boasting more than 30 people at a time. She was a great cook and loved to do so for large groups. She was deeply involved with the Catholic church and closely intertwined with the local community. For her whole life, she was strongly bonded with her siblings, and their families did almost everything together. Susan adored dogs, and had many throughout her life. Her most cherished one was a small shaggy dog named Chewy. Chewy was succeeded by an endless string of dogs who were simply referred to as “puppy.”

 

She greatly enjoyed repainting and decorating rooms and exteriors, and she spent a lot of time doing so. She would willingly come and help anyone at any time to repaint the interior of their homes for free. Poetry was also one of her many talents. Susan had a creative, playful, and clever mind.  She knew how to turn a phrase and was quite a witty person. She held a special place in her heart for kids, and those who knew her held a place in their heart for her. She was always helping out children and cheering them up, similar to her husband in that sense. Her favorite job was being a para at St. Thomas More, where she loved being able to help support kids of many ages. She deeply adored her grandchildren especially, and cherished every moment she spent with them.

 

She is preceded in death by her husband Tim, and parents Bernard and Mary.  She is survived by her twin brother Patrick, older sister Mary Kay, older brother Bernard, daughter Kara (Jason), son Tim (Sylvie), grandchildren Jake, Quint, Sam, Finn, and countless other extended family members. She will forever be remembered and sincerely missed by anyone who knew her. A service to commemorate Susan’s life will be held on Saturday, September 19th, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on 815 East Meyer Boulevard. The Eulogy will be at 10:45, and the Mass at 11:00. Lunch will be served at the church afterwards from 12-4. Donations can be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church.