Elsie M. Murphy

Elsie M. Murphy passed away on March 7, 2026, after a brief illness. She was 91.

Born in Stockton, Elsie grew up in Manteca, where she lived most of her life. She attended French Camp Elementary School, graduated from Manteca High School, and continued her education at Stockton College. She retired from San Joaquin County’s Human Services Agency as an Audit Supervisor. In retirement, she continued to run the family business, volunteered in the gift shop at Doctor’s Hospital of Manteca, and worked at the front desk of the Manteca Senior Center, where she greeted everyone with a warm smile.

Elsie had a lifelong love of games, especially cards, backgammon, and Rummikub, which she enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Her competitive spirit was nurtured playing cards with her father, and she particularly cherished her Monday pinochle games with close friends. In her younger years she was an avid bowler, loved knitting and needlepoint, and enjoyed dancing to Elvis.

Deeply connected to her Portuguese heritage, Elsie belonged to the P.F.S.A. for more than 50 years and served as its secretary for over 40. She was a lifelong member of the M.R.P.S. Social Hall, where she had served as Big Queen in her youth and looked forward each year to the traditional sopas.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edmund “Murph” Murphy, and her brother Manuel Simas and his wife Virginia, Elsie is survived by her brother Richard Simas and his wife Bonnie; her children Sheree Piccinini and husband Richard, Donna Burlingame and husband Larry, Cynthia Stiles and husband Douglas, and Phillip Maxwell and wife Kristine; grandchildren Bryan Burlingame, Leann Hoskins, Kathleen McWilliams, Jeff Piccinini, Michael Stiles, Kristen Edeliant, Vicki Stiles James, Alicia Piccinini, Jessica Anderson, and Aaron Maxwell; nineteen great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She remained deeply devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will miss her greatly.