Obituary of Lorena Murphy

Lorena Murphy, a longtime Morris Township resident, was called home to the Lord on Friday, October 13, 2023. She was 87.

Lorena was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ann Hughey; two daughters, Robin Langston and Charlene Gorman; her brother Eugene Hughey; and her sister Maryann Hughey.

She is survived by her beloved children, Frances Thompson and her husband Wellington, Robert Johnson, Carolyn Stansbury and her husband John, and Kevin Murphy; two sons-in-law John Langston and John Gorman; her cherished grandchildren Wellington, Corrin, Danielle, Gregory, Gabbie, Kevin, and Warren; a host of treasured great-grandchildren; one nephew, Robert Hughey; and many dear friends.

Lorena was born in Morristown on July 14, 1936, and was raised in Cedar Knolls. She worked hard to provide for her family, first as a shirt presser at Colonial Cleaners in Bernardsville before beginning her career as an Environmental Care Manager for Exxon and later Lucent and MetLife Stadium. She also worked as a healthcare aid providing care for others at Home Instead until December of 2022.

Lorena was a loving mother and grandmother who doted on her family. She also adored cats, caring for her own pet cats in addition to many stray cats. She was very active as a member and an usher with Union Baptist Church in Morristown. In her younger years, she enjoyed travelling with her family to places like Aruba and Las Vegas, and she was also a member of the Eastern Star.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Lorena on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Union Baptist Church, 89 Spring St, Morristown, NJ 07960, followed by a 12:00 PM homegoing service.

Interment will follow at Heavenly Rest Memorial Park, East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Lorena’s memory to the Humane Society of the United States, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20037.