Donna Rae Murphy

Donna Rae Murphy (née Barlow), age 78, passed away peacefully at her home in New Lenox on Saturday, January 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Donna was born on October 20, 1947, the daughter of the late Donald C. and Elrieda (née Genens) Barlow. A proud lifelong resident of New Lenox, she graduated from Lincoln-Way High School in 1965 and was a devoted, long-time parishioner of St. Jude Catholic Church.

On June 8, 1968, Donna married the love of her life, Joseph “Mike” K. Murphy, a proud Vietnam veteran. Together they shared 50 years of marriage until his passing on July 9, 2018. Donna deeply honored his service and carried on his legacy by continuing to support Vietnam Veterans. Now, after years apart, Donna has joined Joseph in eternal peace.

With determination and independence, Donna put herself through beauty school and went on to open her own business, doing hair out of her home until she retired at the age of 55. She had a creative spirit and lovingly crocheted blankets and special clothing for family and friends. An active walker, Donna often enjoyed time with her “walking buddies” at the New Lenox Commons. She also loved winter travel, spending time in Florida, Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Mesa, Arizona.

Donna is survived by her loving children, Mark (Jen) Murphy of Manhattan and Annette (Jeff) Hatz of Joliet; her granddaughters, whom she adored, Breanna (Kyle) McNally of Channahon, Samantha (Chris) Wild of Wilmington, and Susannah Hatz of Joliet; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Madison McNally. Time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was among her greatest joys, and her love for them was boundless.

She is also survived by her sisters, Bernadette Martin and JoAnn (Melvin) Mueller; sisters-in-law Mary “Molly” Glog, Kay Buckman, Marlene Murphy, Virginia Murphy, Bonnie Nordstrom, and Ruth Ann Barlow; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Joseph “Mike” Murphy; her brother, Roger Barlow; her beloved step-father, Harold Potts; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law Ken Martin, Bernard Murphy, Jean and Tom Gaffey, Patrick Murphy, Noreen and Ken Brandt, Ray Glog, Dave Murphy, Ed Buckman, William and Geraldine Murphy, Gerald Murphy, Barb and Riley Stover, Leo Murphy, and George Murphy.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 241 W. 2nd Avenue, New Lenox, Illinois, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Disabled American Veterans organization would be appreciated.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Angels of Hope Caregivers of Frankfort for their compassionate care and support.

Donna will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her grandchildren, and her community, as well as her faithful heart. Rooted in her Catholic faith, she now rests in the peace of Christ and is reunited with her beloved husband, Joseph. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.