Joyce M. Murphy (nee Shore), age 85, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025. Born in Barrington, New Jersey on March 23, 1940, and raised in Westmont, Joyce spent her life raising her own family, first in Haddonfield, and then settling in Princeton. Joyce had several careers over her lifetime, first as a “candy striper,” then a print ad model, a Realtor, a hostess at Princeton’s Nassau Inn, and an assisted living concierge, but her proudest accomplishment was becoming a funeral director at the age of 38. She was one of the few female funeral directors in a male dominated industry in 1978 and went on to own and operate Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home in Marlton, NJ. She diligently kept up with her continuing education credits and proudly maintained her license all these years.
Joyce was a talented pianist, an impeccable decorator, and the consummate entertainer with a flair for delicious and iconic comfort foods. She loved her pool and her flowers, especially tulips, geraniums. and mums, which seasonally adorned all of her homes. She loved things elegantly, yet simply, preferably on a white linen tablecloth: a good bowl of pasta, a glass of Pinot Noir, the perfect crab cake, or an almond pastry.
Ever resilient, Joyce lived many lives. Having children in both her 20s and 40s, the latter kept her preternaturally youthful. Meticulous and organized, she could also be impulsive and often pursued her whims and passions, even when they didn’t seem practical, but she always managed to show everyone that she was right to do so. She loved reminiscing about the old days and time spent with family. Joyce will best be remembered for her beautiful smile, her classic beauty, timeless elegance, generosity, her ironic sense of humor and mild irreverence, which was best appreciated by her grandchildren.
Joyce is predeceased by her beloved son, Brett J. Bashaw; by her parents, William J. Shore and Irene F. Carney; her brother, William J. Shore, Jr.; and her cherished aunt, Frances Kay. Joyce is survived by her children, Blair Murphy of Windber, PA, Donna M. Kosco (Andrew Kosco) of Cream Ridge, NJ, and Meghan B. Holl (Joseph Holl) of Franklin Lakes, NJ, and by her eight grandchildren who affectionately called her “Mi-Mom,” Drew Kosco, Haley Kosco, Ireland Kosco, Finley Holl, Cameron Holl, Luna Murphy Zamboni, Luke Holl, and Brett Holl. She is also survived by her dear sister, Barbara Ann Young; her brother-in-law, Charles G. Young III; and her sister-in-law, Jane Shore; as well as her nephew and nieces, William, Christina, and Carlye Shore. We will all miss her dearly.
A Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Ann in Lawrence Township, NJ, with burial at Princeton Cemetery immediately following where Joyce was laid to rest next to her son, Brett.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mather-Hodge Funeral Home, Princeton.
In Joyce’s memory memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.