SUNSET BEACH — Gail Ann Murphy, 74, of Sunset Beach, NC formerly of Winston-Salem, NC passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024 in the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center, “Brunswick House” following a time of declining health.
“Gigi” as she was affectionatley known by her grandchildren, was born in Springfield, MA on May 12, 1950 and was a daughter of the late Timothy Francis and Ruth Avery Murphy. In addition to her parents, GiGi was preceded in death by two sons, Joseph Stephen Murphy-Renzi (2015) and Jack Jeffrey Murphy-Renzi (2022); a brother, Timothy Murphy in 1971 during the Vietnam War.
Gail graduated from Springfield, Massachusetts Public School system and the Massachusetts State Police Academy. She had the distinct honor of completing the police academy at age 35, much older than the other cadets. She began her career at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles right after High School. After graduation from the academy, Gail was a Massachusetts State Trooper until retirement. Once retired, she began her most important role in life: raising 5 adopted children with her spouse. She was also blessed to have two grandchildren: Kylee and Kameron. This completed her most important “bucket list” task: being a Mother. Gail loved the beach and was able to spend her last years surrounded by family and friends at Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Thank you to very special friends Janet Plumb, Patricia Bixby, Scott Chapman and Andrea Bartolo.
Surviving are her spouse for over forty years, Jennifer Renzi; a daughter, Sonya Ruth Murphy-Renzi and partner Omar Guzman; grandchildren, Kylee and Kameron Glanton; a daughter, Erika Mary Billman and spouse, Ben Billman; a son, Michael Eugene Murphy-Renzi and partner, Michael Webb; a sister, Maureen Murphy of Quincy, Massachusetts; brother Michael Murphy of Chicopee, Massachusetts; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Janie and Scott Wade, brother-in-law Stephen Renzi and his wife Kelly; brother-in-law Jeffrey Renzi and his wife Maria; and many cherished nieces, nephews and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the St Brendan The Fisherman Catholic Church at a later date and at the convenience of the family.
Donations may be made to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in honor of her son, Joseph Stephen Murphy-Renzi, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) ATTN: Michael Swyer, 199 Water Street, 11th Floor New York, NY 10038.
Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family here.
