Karen E Murphy, age 34, of Newport News, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 10, 2024.  Karen was born on July 19, 1989, at the Langley AFB Hospital and grew up in Newport News.  She graduated from the Arts and Communications magnet program at Woodside High School and then from The Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts.  

Following her college graduation, she lived a life filled with her passion for the arts and animals.  She volunteered at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, teaching art classes and aiding art teachers with the Newport News school system.  She also volunteered at the Hampton Roads Air and Space Museum’s summer camps as a counselor.  Karen worked at the Newport News Care-A-Lot’s pet daycare, providing care and affection for numerous animals.

Karen was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, John and Winifred Murphy, and maternal grandparents, Paul and Phyllis Bloom. She is survived by her parents, Thomas and Susan Murphy, and brother and sister-in-law, Sean and Kelly Murphy, who will cherish her memory for the rest of their days.  She is also survived by her uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Karen was a young woman who thought of others first and touched so many lives with her physical embrace and the energy she brought with her.  Everyone who knew her commented on her kindness, constant smile, generous nature, and dedication to various causes to make life better for the world’s people and animals.  Our lives were brightened by her presence in them and now are dimmed by her absence.

The funeral arrangements are being handled by Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601. A graveside funeral service will be at 3:00 PM on Thursday, February 15, at Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606.  Memorial donations may be made in Karen’s name to the Southside SPCA in Meherrin, Virginia, or the Epilepsy Foundation.