Sharon E. Murphy, 74, passed away on Dec. 17, 2024, at Lancaster General Hospital. She was the beloved wife of John D. “Dave” Murphy, with whom she celebrated 53 beautiful years of marriage and adventure.
Sharon was born in Lebanon on May 29, 1950, to Betty (Barto) Pfautz of Annville and the late Richard Pfautz.
She was a graduate of Annville Cleona High School and a retiree from a long career at the Hershey Medical Center. In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by her son, Kevin (Amy) Murphy, of Lititz; daughter, Elissa Murphy, of Boston, MA; grandchildren, McKenna and Maya Murphy; brother, Michael Pfautz, of Texas City, TX; and her dearest friend, Diane Farst, of Annville.
Sharon fiercely loved and protected those closest to her, an outspoken advocate for all of her loved ones. Her family, friends, and fellow cancer survivors saw her as a pillar of strength and courage even when her fortitude was most greatly challenged. She was sociable and inquisitive, the extrovert to Dave’s introvert, and sought to make everyone feel seen and included. She loved traveling the country and the world, particularly to find winter sunshine and giant rocks by the ocean, though she was equally happy in her own backyard, watching hummingbirds, gardening, or relaxing on the patio.
Sharon will be missed dearly and live on in the memories of all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the THRIVE for Life Foundation, P.O. Box 675, Hershey, PA 17033. Donate online at thriveforlife.me/ and choose in honor of someone to place your donation online.
