Cover photo for Florence K. (Murphy)  Born's Obituary
Florence K. (Murphy)  Born Profile Photo
1915 Florence 2022

Florence K. (Murphy) Born

November 11, 1915 — July 25, 2022

Davenport Lake Zurich

During her amazing 106 years of life, Florence Katherine (Murphy) Born was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, great-great-great-grandmother, and dear friend to many. She passed away peacefully and surrounded by loving family at 11:11 p.m., July 25, 2022. She was born November 11, 1915 in Ohio to James and Katherine (McGrath) Murphy, who were then traveling home to Chicago’s South Side from an out of town business meeting.

Florence is survived by her children Katharine (George) McAndrews, John (Diane) Born, Charles (Lori) Born, Marguerite (Glen) Ward, and Nanci (Verne) Siegrist; 37 grandchildren, 102 great-grandchildren, 26 great-great grandchildren, and four great-great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 72 years, William; sons, William and Francis; daughter, Mary Elizabeth; and great-grandchildren, Thomas and Kaitlyn.

While raising her eight children, Florence remained an active member of her South Shore community and longtime parish, Saint Bride. An accomplished vocalist and musician, for decades Florence sang and played the organ at morning Mass. In the 1930s, she had her own radio program, aptly named, “Florence Murphy – Songbird of the Airways.” She also excelled at piano – unsurprising for someone with a century of playing experience. Florence was a talented artist. The walls of many of her family members’ homes feature one or more of her beautiful paintings. She was a master at crossword puzzles and other word games, a fountain of world and family history, and – for many years – was the first (and sometimes only) one to master the then-latest technology, such as VCRs, computers, Kindles, and the like. Florence loved reading, said the Rosary daily, and always prayed for her enormous, loving family.

With the love of her life, Bill, Florence loved to travel. In their 60s, 70s, and 80s, the two made numerous road trips across the country to national parks and other historic and scenic destinations. During their travels, Florence made a special point of sending postcards to family members, memorializing the many wonderful places the couple visited. Ultimately, though, Florence and Bill most enjoyed spending time with family.

Florence’s life was defined by her deep love of family, unwavering faith in God, beauty, grace, kindness, talent, and brilliant wit. Indeed, just two weeks before her passing, Florence performed a beautiful piano finale and later had family members in stitches over several perfectly timed one-liners that only “Gram” knew how to deliver. Her legacy is one of love. That legacy is evident in the love that Florence and Bill’s many offspring have for one another. Florence’s final words: “Be kind to one another.”

Visitation will be 3:00 – 9:00 p.m., Monday, August 1, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 941 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 2, at Saint Anne Catholic Church, 120 N. Ela Street, Barrington. There will be visitation at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow Mass at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery, Palatine.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Chicago Phone: (312) 655-7525 Email: donations@catholiccharities.net  Mail: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago PO Box 7154 Carol Stream, IL 60197-7154

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Florence K. (Murphy) Born, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

9:30 - 10:30 am (Central time)

St. Anne Catholic Community

120 Ela St, Barrington, IL 60010

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Funeral Mass

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

St. Anne Catholic Community

120 Ela St, Barrington, IL 60010

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