Requiem Mass Celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 10 AM 3rd May 2000
87 Central Ave, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
Burial: Nudgee Cemetery, St. Vincents Road, Nudgee
Panegyric: Kathleen Patricia Dlahunty
Kathleen was born to Margaret Ellen (nee Joyce) and John James Murphy who were hoteliers at Baree near Mt. Morgan a small stagecoach stop on the way to Rockhampton. They then moved to the Commercial Hotel in Rockhampton and the Victoria Hotel in South Brisbane, where the cultural center is now situated. Later after yet another trip to Ireland they moved to the Melbourne Hotel. Kathleen attended St. Mary’s convent South Brisbane for her primary education. In 1925 the Murphy’s moved to the Grosvenor Hotel and conducted business for 53 years.
Kathleen with her Sisters Margaret and Patricia received their secondary education at All Hallows School where at the age of 16 she distinguished herself as Dux and winner of Archbishop Duhig medal for the highest pass in the senior public exam.
After contemplating medicine Mum was offered a teachers fellowship and at the end of the first year she won one of six the scholarships to the University of Queensland.
Her six-year teaching career started at Rockhamton High and then to Brisbane Commercial Girls High where she had trained a made a lifelong friendship with Ruth Don.
In 1932 at the age of 23 she took leave of absence from teaching and managed the Grosvenor while her mother was ill and then took a trip to Ireland to attend the Eucharistic Congress and visit relatives in USA.
In 1939 she formed a partnership with Grandma Murphy which continued until she retired in 1973.
She married "Dela" on the 2nd January 1936 and "Coolside" on the river at St. Lucia became their family home.
When Father Alf Hogan was asked to form a parish after the ware St. Thomas Aquinas Church was established in an army hut. Kath and Dela were among the founding members. The Chalice is a "Queensland Cup" won by a horse called Direct Action and donated by the Murphy Family.
At "Coolside" Mum brought the 4 of us into the world, Jennifer – 1936, Alice Ann – 1938, John – 1939, James –1944. They went on to give her 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren of which she was very fond and extremely proud.
1952 Mum and Dad went on "the Grand Tour" to visit cousins in the USA and Ireland. Mum wrote of her famous "Dear Everyone" letters that have been copied many times and are proud possessions of her grandchildren.
Mums other great love was "There" a house she built overlooking the sea at Currumbin. It was her retreat from a very busy life but gave her and many of our family and friends beautiful memories.
After retiring from Hotel life Mum took up "Bridge" and what she called "playing Ladies". She also tried to re-ignite her passion for painting at which she excelled in her youth.
She tendered to Dad over his failing years with great love and care. He passed on nearly 10 years ago on the 15/11/90. Mum’s health started to fail about 7 years ago and she was taken care of by the Sisters of St. Joseph at Penola Nursing Home Nundah. We appreciate the care and affection given to her by the sisters and staff, this meant so much to us.