Kathleen Marie Murphy passed away April 11, 2020, after a long illness. Born June 8, 1942, in McHenry, Illinois, to Lawrence and Evelyn (Karls) Murphy, she later moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where she began a career as an educator and started a family.  She taught grades 3-5 in Anchorage and, after moving back to northern Illinois, worked as a resource teacher at Boylan High School in Rockford until her retirement. An avid gardener, she also enjoyed spending time with her family and taking her dog for walks around the neighborhood.  She is predeceased by her father, mother, and Mary Lynn Murphy, a sister. She is survived by her other sister, Sally Chapman; and her brother, Larry Murphy; her children, Caitlin Leese, Matthew Mosher, and Maylove Huffington; and six grandchildren. Due to the ongoing crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, no memorial is planned at this time.  A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kathleen's name to Walter Lawson Children's Home in Loves Park, Illinois.