Remembering Freda Murphy: Chicago’s Finest & Sassiest

Today is Tuesday, December 17th. Normally on December 17th, I highlight Freda Murphy, my “Grandma Fifi." But today December 17th, 2024 is different.

My maternal grandma would have been 98 years old today, and for the first time in over 30 years, she is celebrating her birthday with the love of her life. My maternal grandpa James Robert (Bob) Murphy is reunited with Freda.

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My Grandma Fifi passed away in the early morning of Sunday, February 4th, 2024. This is the day when the world just stopped. It was a tough day. However, today could be the second hardest day for my family and me.

It's hard for me to put into words what my Grandma Fifi meant to me. Freda was one of the many strong women I have been blessed with in my life. You will never meet another bold, sassy, funny, smart, loud, independent, and loving woman like Freda Murphy.

When it comes to her family, Freda did not let anyone or anything get in the way of providing the best that life has to offer. This especially includes her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. All the grandchildren have benefitted from her in some way, whether it was securing an educational future or a life beyond the classroom. Yep...Freda gifted me with the best high school education in the Chicago-land area.

My family wouldn't be who we are today without the leadership of Freda Murphy. Since she passed away, I've been mentally writing this memorial story and finding characteristics of Freda in my family.

1. We all have Freda's strength. We take life's challenges and grow from each experience. We don't let others tell us we can't achieve goals or limit us.
2. Freda was an entrepreneur. She had her own greeting card business for weddings, showers, or any special gathering. My uncle Tom Murphy runs his own security company and his business has grown out of Illinois. He's always had the business mind in the family.
3. Freda had a strong voice. She always advocated for others and for what she believed in no matter what the consequences were. Freda would write letters to public officials and newspapers or speak on the radio (using her alias "Jeanette") about important issues. She was always the champion of the underdog! My family may be loud, but they don't back down when someone is treated unfairly.
4. Freda was an artist and called herself the "Domestic Engineer." She even created award-winning holiday displays. No one in the family could paint or draw like Freda. However, she was convinced that the entire family could be artists.
5. Freda had the biggest heart. After she passed away, we found all these letters she wrote about how blessed she was for her family. She would write down prayers for her family and little reminders to pass along to everyone. Freda also made it a point to call everyone whenever she could. I even found a book I have with a special message on the inside cover. She wouldn't let us forget how much she loved us, even after she was gone.

Bottom line: Freda Murphy was the backbone of this family. We miss her every single day. So instead of being sad on December 17th, we celebrate her 97 years with us.

We love you, grandma and we know you are with us in this crazy journey called life.