Gretchen T. (Thomas) Murphy

Poland - Gretchen T. Murphy, of New Middletown, formerly of Poland, died Wednesday evening, June 15, 2016 at Masternick Memorial Healthcare Center.

Gretchen was born December 17, 1921 in Johnstown, PA, a daughter of the late Charles and Othelia (Dietz) Thomas.

A 1939 graduate of Johnstown High School, Gretchen received her Bachelors Degree in health science from the University of Pittsburgh in 1943, with Certificate in Physical Therapy from the D.T. Watson School of Physical Therapy. Gretchen worked as a physical therapist for Columbia Hospital in Wilkinsburg, PA, Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital in Johnstown, PA, Industrial Hospital for Crippled Children, and Pittsburgh Hospital. In 1956, Gretchen moved with her family to Poland. After taking 18 years to raise her children, she returned to work at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, retiring after 18 years as Asst. Chief Physical Therapist in 1984. Later, she worked at Youngstown Physical Therapists and Advanced Physical Therapy, and also served as a Laboratory Assistant at the Youngstown State University School of Physical Therapy. Gretchen retired in 2002 after 60 years of service.

Gretchen was a Deacon and Ordained Elder at Poland Presbyterian Church, and subsequently was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, and a member of the former Struthers Presbyterian Church, where she participated in the Upper Room Sunday School Class, along with Worship and Music, Hospitality, and Health Ministry committees. Gretchen returned to Poland Presbyterian Church in 2014.

Gretchen was a former member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #278, Friends of the Poland Library, Monday Book Review Club, Red Hat Society, Poland Chapter, Good Earth Garden Club where she was a charter member, and Poland Swim Club where she served as board member and membership chair. She volunteered her time after retirement leading exercise classes at the Blackburn Home in Poland.

Her husband of 48 years, James E. Murphy, whom she married October 25, 1946, died November 21, 1994; Gretchen leaves her daughter, Maureen (Theodore) Vickers of New Springfield, OH; son, Timothy C (Janet) Murphy of Canton, OH; six grandchildren, Jason (Katie) Vickers, Erin (Bob) Mook, Jacob Vickers, Tyler Murphy, Jesse Murphy, and Chris Murphy, along with four great-grandchildren, Lucas and Leah Vickers, and Madison and Lilly Mook.

A family graveside service will be held Thursday, June 30, followed by a memorial service for family and friends at Poland Presbyterian Church at 11:00 am with Rev. Dr. Brent Eelman officiating. Friends will be received one hour prior to the service (10-11 am).

Gretchen’s family requests any gift please take the form of memorial contributions to the Poland Presbyterian Church, 2 Poland Manor, Poland, OH 44514.