Obituary of Kerri Ann Murphy

Kerri A. (Guilfoil) Murphy, 44, passed away peacefully on December 29 surrounded by her loving family at Rose Monahan Hospice. Her spirit lives on in her children, Connor, Erin and Jacob Murphy of Dudley. She is survived by her parents; Thomas and Carol-Ann Guilfoil of Dudley, her sister; Kelley Guilfoil-Zinkevich and her husband Brian, of Worcester, and their children, Joseph, Maximilian, Xavier and Caroline, her sister Karryn Ryan of Oxford, and her children, Griffin, Colin and Nathan, and her children's father, John Murphy of Dudley. She also leaves Dan O'Connor, of Dudley, who was there by her side until the end. She grew up in Auburn, MA and graduated from Auburn High School in 1987. She studied dance at Sally Johnson McDermott Dance Studios in Auburn. Her love of dance fueled her passion for fitness which she followed for the rest of her life. With her marriage in 1992, she moved to her home in Dudley MA. In 2005, Kerri opened The Fitness Studio in Dudley, MA. Her incredible determination and love for her business helped create an amazing community, who has supported her selflessly through her struggle. She has an abundance of friends, including her best friends Carolann Malboeuf and Jenn Looney. The love and support of all her TFS family is unequaled and everyone who organized and participated in her numerous fundraisers was a true gift. The care she received from Dr.'s Lambert, Bathini, and Lopresti was unparalleled. Kerri was also very grateful to all of the nurses who cared for her at UMASS, especially Cindi Menardi and Lucille Talbot. The nurses and staff at Rose Monahan Hospice, and Dr. Gallagher, provided her warm comfort in her last days. Appendiceal "cancer sucks," and Kerri "never quit" until her last breath. Kerri wishes that all who shared in her life continue her legacy and remember some of her great words of wisdom; "Crank your bikes, you big babies!", "I can tell when you're faking it!", "Stop looking in the mirror!", "I love my job, I get to stand up here on a stage and yell at you!" In lieu of flowers, contributions, in Kerri's memory, may be made to The Adam Bullen Memorial Foundation, 24 Charlton Street, Oxford, MA 01540. Calling hours will be held at Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel 33 Schofield Ave. in Dudley, MA on Thursday, January 2nd from 4:00 - 8:00pm. Memorial service will be held on Friday, January 3rd at 11am also at Bartel Funeral Home. Kerri's guest book at SERVICES ARE STILL ON FOR TODAY AND FRIDAY www.bartelfuneralhome.com