Donna Lee Murphy

Donna Lee Murphy, age 79, passed away in her home with her family by her side;
marking the end of her long struggle with cancer. She was born June 27, 1941 in Big Creek,
Kentucky; the daughter of Ireland Adkins and Dixie Nichols, the sister of Thelma Mae Prine and
Ireland Adkins Jr.

Donna moved to Chicago, IL when she was 15 years old, where she waitressed for many
years before meeting her lifelong partner at Gino’s East. That is also where her love of pizza
developed, a love which would never wane. She later opened her own business, the Armitage
Antique Gallery. Donna spent the last years of her life enjoying her family and shopping as often
as possible.

Easily one of the most creative people to have adorned God’s green-blue earth it seemed as if
there was nothing she couldn’t do, especially in the kitchen. In addition to her well renowned
culinary skills she exceled at numerous things including but not limited to staging apartments,
refurbishing furniture, making jewelry, entertaining children and (with her love of sewing) making
bridal dresses.

Upon her arrival in heaven, Donna was greeted by her great and loving daughter, Patricia Ann
Mariades. Donna Lee Murphy is survived by her beloved life partner of over 35 years Loncio
Arias (Papa Tony); her living daughters: Thelma Elaine Jeske, Brandy Gail Bjorklund and
Jacquelyn Harper; her son in law Alan Jeske and her grandchildren: Jason Jeske, Jacquelyn
Marie Mariades, Amber Bjorklund, Jared Bjorklund, Jenny Ann Jeske, Anastacia M. Perez,
Brian Alan Jeske, Christina Mariades, Desiree N. Guzzetta and Stephen Mariades Jr.; her only
nephew Douglas Michael Prine and her great grandchildren: Alexander, Ava Marie, Jacob,
Aidan, Jameson, Donovan, James, Avery, Octavia, Corbin and Amelia; and of course her
grandkids of association, Alex, David, Doris, Nick and Taylor.

We are all so thankful for Donna. So grateful for her smiles, her hugs, her pats, her
reassurances and her unfettered love. We are in awe of that love.

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