Mary Jan-an LeBlanc Murphy's Obituary
Mary Jan-an LeBlanc Murphy, departed this life peacefully on October 15, 2024, in Covington, Louisiana. Born on March 14, 1932, in Houma, Louisiana, Jan was a devoted mother and is survived by her two children, Melissa Broome (Peter), and Rick Murphy (Lori); granddaughters Sarah Alderman (Josh), Maggie Bokobza (Jeremy) and Lauren Merryman (Tim); and great-grandchildren, Olivia Bokobza and Shep Merryman, who brought immense joy and laughter to her days. “Grammers’” legacy of kindness, strength, and grace continues through them and their memories.
Born the eldest of three children in Houma, she graduated from high school at the age of 15, valedictorian of her class. As a child, Jan traveled by train to New Orleans for opportunities like piano lessons and orthodontia that a small town could not provide, a brave trip accompanied by soldiers on the move during WW II. On these weekends, Jan was welcomed in the home of her Aunt Freddie and Uncle Pete Chopin where she was educated in the culture of New Orleans.
After a few years at Northwestern State in Natchitoches, she was asked by her sorority to move to Kalamazoo, MI to colonize a new chapter at Western Michigan University. Following her graduation from that university she took a position with Michigan Bell Telephone Company, the first female recruit to their management training program. She moved to Detroit and there met Richard LeQuesne “Dick” Murphy. They were married on Jun 26th, 1954 until his passing in 2003.
The newlyweds moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where Dick was a salesman for Scallan Supply Company and Jan began her career as mother and educator. One of her first volunteer roles was running a religion instruction program for public school students from her home located next to Silverton School. She was an active member of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish and served as Parish Council president (writing the Constitution that merged the Parish Council of Men and the Parish Council of Women), playwright for adult theater, catechist for the Rite of Christian Initiation classes, substitute teacher, science fair judge and finally teacher at St. Vincent where she taught both of her children. Jan also dedicated her talents and leadership skills as President of the Archdiocesan Council of Laity and to the Franciscan Brothers.
After her husband passed away, she made one last courageous move home to the south, relocating to Covington, LA one month before Hurricane Katrina. It was there she began her final career as editor of Inside Northside Magazine, working alongside her daughter-in-law Lori. Her attention to detail and drive for perfection provided a priceless skill set for the new lifestyle magazine. However, one of her favorite activities was teatime with her granddaughters.
Her last residence was at the Christwood Retirement Community where she was reunited with her sister and brother-in-law, Amelie and Pierre Faure and frequently saw her brother and sister-in-law, Lynn and Monalee LeBlanc. In her last days, Jan was greatly comforted by her companion, Margarita Harter, her granddaughters and great grandchildren.
A celebration of Jan’s life will be held at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Cincinnati, where family and friends will gather to honor her legacy. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Jan’s memory to a charity close to your heart, reflecting her lifelong commitment to service and community.
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Murphy’s funeral arrangements. Her family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?