Helen Joyce (Flanders) Murphy

Helen (Flanders) Murphy, 88, of Hyde Park passed away peacefully at home on November 16, 2023.

Helen was born on November 24, 1934 in Bakersfield, Vermont, the daughter of Zula and Orson Flanders. She married William Murphy on November 24, 1957. They lived in their home in Hyde Park for 66 years, where they raised their three children and a number of beloved dogs and cats. Helen graduated from Johnson State College and spent her entire career working at the Vermont State Hospital in Waterbury, starting as a nursing aide and retiring as a social worker. She was dedicated to assuring the best possible experience for her patients and helping those with mental illnesses.

She was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spending much of her retirement years caring for her grandchildren, and hosting Sunday night dinners for the family. Helen loved to travel, visiting family and friends and taking family trips to Old Orchard Beach in Maine and Walt Disney World in Florida. When she was home, she loved to do crafts, including knitting, sewing and painting. Her hand-knit baby sweaters were beloved by every child in the family. She also loved puzzles, crosswords and video games. She was an avid collector of everything from Beanie Babies to teapots, and had a movie collection that was better than any video store.

Helen is survived by her husband, Bill, and their three children, Dawn Sweetser and husband Ken, Craig Murphy and Brian Murphy and wife Lisa. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Abigail Bourgeois and husband Jordan, Heather Murphy and Billy Murphy, and by her five great-grandchildren, Barley Earle, Ryley Earle, Tanner Bourgeois, Tabor Bourgeois and Theodore Bourgeois. Helen was predeceased by her brothers Delmer Flanders and William Flanders and sister Freda Jacobs, as well as her great-grandson Porter Earle.

Hours of Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Morrisville from 2:00-4:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day on Monday, November 20, 2023 at Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church at 11:00am. The burial will take place directly after Mass at Jedediah Hyde Cemetery in Hyde Park. Arrangements are in care of des Groseilliers Funeral Home, Hardwick. Online condolences and memories of Helen may be shared with her family at dgfunerals.com.

The family would like to thank Dr. David Bisbee and Lamoille Home Health and Hospice for the care they gave Helen, and their assistance in allowing Helen to live out her final days in her home with her family.

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