Irene E. Murphy Nymon
December 7, 1921 - August 25, 2006
Obituary
Irene E. Murphy Nymon
Died August 25, 2006 in Des Moines, WA. The daughter of George and Zoe Murphy of Steele, North Dakota, Irene graduated from Steele High School in 1940 and, following interruptions working as a timekeeper in the San Pedro, CA shipyards during WWII and teaching with her mother in a one room schoolhouse in North Dakota, she graduated from North Dakota State University in 1947 with her degree in education. While at NDSU she was elected Lilac Queen and served as the Senior Class President. She married Charles Nymon in 1946 upon his discharge from the Army. After his graduation from NDSU in 1948, Charles’s first mechanical engineering job took them to Ohio for five years. In 1953 they moved to Washington State with their three young children, adding brother John in 1958. After her children were in school, Irene took post-graduate education classes at Seattle Pacific University to earn her Washington State Teaching Certificate. She was a substitute teacher for the Highline School District for nine years in the third through twelfth grades, in both regular and special education classes, In 1969, Irene, Charles, and the two youngest boys moved to Rome, Italy for four years where Charles helped to establish a process design office for the Austin Company; an additional year was spent in Milan. The years in Italy were among Irene’s fondest, traveling throughout Italy reveling in its language, history, and art. Visiting Greece, Spain, England, and France were other highpoints of her time overseas. Irene was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church and over the years was active in the choir, Bible study classes, and women’s church activities; she counted the friendships made there as some of her most rich and rewarding. She had several pastimes and hobbies including working with her flowers, making stained glass, oil painting, and perhaps most of all, playing her digital piano. Irene is survived by Charles, her loving husband of 60 years; daughter, Georgine Gillispie; sons, Karl Lucille, Patrick, and John Dee Nymon, all of whom reside in the Seattle- Tacoma area; five grandchildren, and was eagerly anticipating the birth of their first great-grandchildren, twin boys. A woman devoted to her family, she was so proud of each of us and demonstrated her love for us every day in countless ways we’ll always cherish. Memorial Service will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Des Moines on Saturday, September 2, 2006 at 2:00 PM. Memorials in Irene’s name can be made to her church, or to the American Heart Association. Please sign the online memorial guest book at www.bonneywatson.com.
I will miss Irene greatly as she was my best friend and confidante. She was a true friend, a fashionable lady who had a wonderful smile for everyone, and a marvelous sense of humor. I was awed at her knowledge of the Bible, as we did Bible study together and she made it such a memorable event. During my illness she encouraged me with frequent telephone calls. My love and sympathy is with the Nymon family at this time.
Rita Martinsen
A light in our world is gone and will be sorely missed. Irene was a great person with a wonderful sense of humor. I can still remember the way she laughed.
Georgine,
I wanted to express my very sincere sympathy to you and your family. You are a cherished memory of my youth and I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mother. If you feel like talking to an old friend, please call me.
Sue Holdaas Bowman
360-456-7604
Dearest Georgine and Family,
I hold many fond memories of your wonderful Mother and of your family. Your Mother and your welcoming red door added friendship, warmth, security and fun to my life in the 1960’s. I will remember your Mother as a fun-loving, intellegent, organized,adventurous woman of many talents. Please know I am thinking of you. Best Regards,
Merry Johnson Shropshire
13202 SE 339th Street
Auburn, Wa 98092
253-569-2741
Chuck: This was a very nice remembrance of Irene. We enjoyed the pictures and the nice write up.
Dean
you’re in my prayers.
joy and peace.
Irene you will be sorely missed but not forgotten
Georgine,
My condolence to you and your family. You were always one of the nicest people I knew, and I’m sure that was a reflection of your mother.
That was a very nice obituary in The Times — I’m guessing that you wrote it.
Send me note to let me know what you are up to.
Jim Mallery
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.