Valerie Jean Murphy

Valerie Jean (Tischer) Murphy, aged 78, of Naples, Florida, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, August 25, 2023. Born on August 15, 1945, she was the beloved daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hans Otto Tischer, formerly of Flushing, New York.
 
She is survived by her adoring husband of 51 years, Thomas A. Murphy. Valerie and Thomas shared a loving blended family of their children together: Marcelle (Murphy) Turner, Edward “Ted” Murphy, and Tamara (Murphy) Switken, as well as Thomas's sons Rick Murphy, Mark Murphy, and Craig Murphy. She cherished her sons and daughters-in-law, Robin, Valerie, Rebecca, Patrick, Tara, and Dirk, as well as her 14 grandchildren: Christopher, Lisa, Matthew, Clyde, Sarah, Alexandra, Victoria, Kellen, Henry, Douglas, Logan, Sydney, Hudson, and Zane. She is also survived by her best friends and sisters, Dolores Whicher and Joan Weaver, along with their families.
 
Valerie touched the lives of many with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love. She was known for her mastery of entertaining, her passion for travel, and her eclectic, colorful style. She had a heart full of compassion and was always there to support her family and friends.
 
Valerie and Thomas moved to Marco Island in 1986 from Ridgewood, New Jersey, where she held senior roles in the travel industry. A licensed real estate agent since her arrival in Florida, she also served as Director of Membership at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort for over 20 years. She was a former President of Pilot Club of Marco Island and Marco Island Rotary Club, and her dedication to numerous other local community organizations made a lasting impact on the Southwest Florida community.
 
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Moorings Presbyterian Church in Naples, Florida. Friends and family are invited to attend and share their memories.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support Clinical Research at the Rooney Heart Institute (RHI) at NCH under the direction of Dr. Robert Cubeddu, President RHI. Please make checks payable to NCH Healthcare System and include "RHI Research" in the memo line. Mail donations to: NCH Center for Philanthropy, PO Box 234, Naples, FL 34106. Donations in her honor can also be made online to the American Heart Association by going to https://www.heart.org/. These contributions will further the life-saving research in critical cardiac care that Valerie fearlessly supported.
 
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the support and condolences they have received during this difficult time. Val's love and legacy will forever reside in our hearts.