Latrobe Valley woman Anne Murphy, 63, remembered for her ‘sense of social justice’ and integrity

Work colleagues of a Latrobe Valley mum have remembered her as being “full of life” and bringing fun and “colour” to the Gippsland community.

Anne Murphy, 63, died on January 27, 2025. Ms Murphy was valued committee member of the Traralgon Neighbourhood Learning House. Picture: Facebook/Traralgon Neighbourhood Learning House

 

A Gippsland woman has been remembered as an “always cheerful” passionate knitter, who brought fun and colour to many lives.

Latrobe Valley grandmother Anne Murphy, 63, died on January 27, leaving behind a large family including husband Michael and children Erin, Darcy and Ryan.

Anne was also a committee member of the Traralgon Neighbourhood Learning House (TNLH) — a place that provides classes and activities to the local community in a fun and welcoming environment.

TNLH secretary Sharon Coffey told the Herald Sun Anne had a “diverse” range of hobbies and had been a dedicated member of the TNLH since 2021 taking on the role of treasurer.

“Anne was passionate about people and enjoyed bringing fun and colour to the lives of many people in our community,” Ms Coffey said.

“(She was) a very community-minded person and was a member of a number of community groups which she always played an active role in.

Anne was described by her colleagues as friendly, caring and having a sense of fun. Picture: Latrobe Valley Funeral Services

“Anne loved pickleball and played weekly in the local competition.”

Ms Coffey said Anne was “full of life”, would talk to anyone and brought a “real positive connection” to anyone she met.

“She was also very smart and contributed her great experiences to the committee of management,” she said.

“Anne had a strong sense of social justice, integrity and community spirit.”

Ms Coffey said Anne was known for her “beautiful” purple hair.

“And her sense of fun and care towards others,” she said.

TNLH president Barbara Pendlebury said Anne was a “passionate” knitter and her grandchildren were her world.

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“Anne was always cheerful even in the face of adversity,” Ms Pendlebury said.

“Anne was a friendly, giving person — her dedication to the people she loved and cared and the many laughs and stories we shared.”

TNLH office administrator and previous acting manager Meagan Stanely said Anne was always there when she was needed.

“Anne cared about people from all walks of life and lived life with joy and happiness,” Ms Stanely said.

“Anne was a spiritual person who ran medium workshops in the local area.

“She was a very friendly and approachable person.”
Ms Stanely added one of her best memories with Anne was bonding with her at their end of year dinners and the support she gave to the staff at TNLH.

Tributes were also posted on social media from users who showed support to Anne’s family.

A funeral service will be held for Anne at the St Michaels Catholic Church in Traralgon on February 10.