Sheila Murphy "Sunnie"

Sheila “Sunnie” Murphy of Milton, Vermont, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family members. She spent much of her life in Lowell, Newport, and Milton. Sunnie delighted in the beauty of Vermont and her family and friends here.

Sunnie’s nickname reflected her vibrant personality, energy, and bright outlook. She was born on January 9, 1956, in Summit, N.J., the daughter of Thomas W. Murphy and Martha Louise Smith. The first half of Sunnie’s life, she lived in Chatham, N.J. and graduated from Chatham High School in 1974. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Lafayette College in 1978. After college, Sunnie worked in Manhattan matching executives with financial institutions. Sunnie knew people intuitively and always offered keen insight and wisdom to all.

Sunnie loved nature as a child and developed a passion for animal welfare and the environment, causes she supported generously. Sunnie cared passionately for the dogs she raised or adopted throughout her life.

Sunnie had a radiant smile and a spark for life. She shone at home with her dogs, at the dog park, in her garden, laughing with family and friends, or delving into family history. She loved her Hondas and would not think of owning any other make of car. Sunnie was a natural athlete especially in swimming, skiing and tennis. Sunnie was an avid tennis fan who would rise early to watch the annual tournaments in Wimbledon and Paris. Andy Roddick was her all-time favorite tennis player. But her dogs and her people remained the centers of Sunnie’s world.

The last weeks of Sunnie’s life were spent with her beloved niece Anita van Tubergen and Anita’s husband John, who gave Sunnie devoted care, companionship, and comfort. They opened their home to Sunnie and the people who visited her.

Sunnie will be missed dearly by her brother Jay Murphy and his wife Marcy; their three daughters, Sara, Erin, and Melissa; their granddaughter, Rosie; niece Anita van Tubergen, her husband John and her daughter Rozella; nephews Adam van Tubergen and Alex Martin; lifelong friends Julie Gaydos Muller and Bob Tarleton; and devoted friends Jean Routhier and Dwight Walker. Sunnie enriched their lives and her memory will remain with them forever.

Donations in Sunnie’s memory can be made to the following:

• Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter (www.frontieranimalsociety.com)
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Rescue (https://www.cavalierrescueusa.org/region/northeast/)
• Natural Resources Defense Council (https://www.nrdc.org/)
• ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org/)
• Alley Cat Allies (https://www.alleycat.org/).

A memorial service will be held this summer.