Patricia Murphy Friel of Furlong, PA died on January 7, 2024 at age 78.

Born in Buffalo, NY, she was adopted and raised by her parents, the late Edwin J. and Mary Lenz Murphy. She spent time growing up also in Erie, PA and Allentown, PA. For high school, she attended St. Francis Academy in Bethlehem. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Cabrini College and a master’s degree from Temple University. Pat taught English at Bethlehem Catholic High School before marrying in 1980. Later she worked various jobs, including as a sales auditor for Liberty Research, but she devoted most of her time and energy to raising her four children.

She was always active in her local parish, which, since 1986, has been Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Doylestown. Over the years, she volunteered with many organizations, including the Pennsylvania Playhouse, Cub Scout Pack 52, the OLMC Prayer Chain and Family Mass, the Mercer Museum’s Spruance Library, Cabrini College class agents, and many of her children’s activities.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, John J. Friel, and her brother, E. James Murphy. She is survived by her children, Joseph (Beth), Kathleen (Seth) Gilpin, Christine (fiancée Nicholas Roy), and (Rev.) David, as well as her grandchildren, Corinne, Abigail, Michael, Maya, Daniel, Brigid, Mary, Myron, and Noah. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Peggy Murphy, whom she considered a sister, and her dear nieces, Lynn and Kelly Ann, and their families.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 12th at Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home, 2335 Lower State Road, Doylestown. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 13th at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 235 East State Street, Doylestown. Interment to follow in St. John Neumann Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Patricia’s name may be made to: Little Sisters of the Poor, 5300 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143.