Veda Louise Murphy

August 1, 1934 - February 11, 2022

Veda Louise Mathews Criger Murphy, age 87, passed away on February 11, 2022 in Clarksville, TN, formerly of Michigan and Florida. She was born on August 1, 1934 in Highland Park, MI to Michael Joseph Mathews and Jane (Jenny) Fahy Mathews. She was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in 1952 in Royal Oak, MI. She married Donald Harold Criger in 1955. They welcomed six children: Steven Joseph Criger (Luann), Coleen Maria Stephens (Daniel), Stanley Brian Dolby-Criger (Christina), Louise Ann Cardinas (Ron), Lenore Mary Bailey (Chris) and Donna Marie Criger Lakes. The family moved to Royal Oak in 1959. In 1980 Veda graduated from Pontiac Institute. On July 22,1986 Veda married Gerard J. Murphy (deceased), welcomed step-children Cynthia M. Welch (deceased) (Mark), Gerard P. Murphy (Charlotte), Maureen E.Boyd (Michael), Timothy J. Murphy, PhD (Jenny), Suzanne M. Taggart (Theodore) and Kevin J. Murphy (deceased). Nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Veda, Jerry, and family enjoyed many wonderful adventures traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, Canada, Germany, Ireland, multiple destinations in Michigan, and many other destinations and cruises. She was very passionate about gardening, camping, her beloved Detroit Tigers Baseball, and followed all the children's, grandchildren's, and even great grandchildren's sports activities. She was a prolific reader, and loved "The Sound of Music" and "The Quiet Man" movies as her "go-to" favorites. Veda was a life-long devoted Catholic who participated in many beloved parishes including St. Mary Magdalen of Hazel Park, St. Mary's of Royal Oak, and National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica or Royal Oak. Veda had two dear sisters, Mary Bridget Summerlin and the late Jane Ann Williams. Veda is survived by 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Memorial visitation is Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 2pm-8pm, with Scripture Service at 6pm at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd (4 blks east of Woodward), Royal Oak,MI. Funeral Service is Friday, February 25, 2022, in-state 9:30am until time of funeral mass at 10am, at National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak. Livestream of the Mass will begin at 10am, and may be accessed at [email protected] Inurnment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Capuchin Soup Kitchen or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are appreciated. Share your memories at sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.