ARTIST BERTHA (BUNNY) ELEANOR MURPHY

Artist Bertha (Bunny) Eleanor Murphy, 83, of Duluth died Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at the Benedictine Health Center after a recurrence of cancer

Bunny was born in Duluth on September 15, 1928, to Patrick W. Murphy and Bertha Chase Murphy, the youngest of three children.

She graduated from Denfeld High School in 1946 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in art from UMD in 1950. Bunny's interest in drawing began at an early age and led to her career as a graphic artist. She spent her professional life as a fashion illustrator at Oreck's and Glass Block (now Younkers), and also enjoyed painting with oils and water colors.

Bunny was a member of the Duluth Art Institute and Professional Artists of Duluth-'PAD'. She received a Special Achievement Award in 1964 for her work over many years at The Duluth Playhouse. She delivered Meals-On-Wheels and supported other civic efforts.

While in junior high and high school, encouraged by her ski-jumping brother Fred, Bunny was one of the first girls-if not the first-to test her jumping skills at Chester Bowl and Fond du Lac. In later years she enjoyed playing golf. She followed her brother Chase's lead in her love of music, enjoyed knitting and was an excellent seamstress.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Chase and Fred, and her long-time friend Bob Ransom Tourville. Bunny is survived by her sisters-in-law, Mary Lee Murphy and Mary Louise Murphy; niece, Colleen Ozora; nephews, Timothy, Scott and Gregory Murphy; cousins, Joyce Torvund, Colleen Lilly, Joanne Signorelli, Fred McDowell, Larry McDowell and extended family and friends.

Bertha Eleanor Murphy was gentle and kind. She treasured her family and friends as they treasured her.

A grateful thank you to the skilled and compassionate staffs at the Benedictine Health Center, St. Luke's Hospital and St. Luke's Hospice.

VISITATION: 12 noon Saturday, July 28, 2012, until the 1 p.m. memorial service in Dougherty Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the Benedictine Health Center or the charity of choice. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second Street, Duluth, 727-3555.

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