Obituary of Linda Grace Murphy DeLorenzo

Linda Grace Murphy DeLorenzo, 83, of Homer, NY, passed away on January 13, 2021 in Ithaca, NY. Linda was born in Pittsburgh, PA, the eldest of five children born to William and Grace Murphy on 11/29/37. She graduated from Bethlehem High School in Delmar, NY and went on to earn her teaching degree from Cortland State Teachers’ College in 1960. Linda began her long and satisfying teaching career of 35+ years at St. Mary’s School in Cortland, NY, before settling in the Cortland City School District as a kindergarten teacher. Linda’s warmth, patience and good humor made her a beloved and memorable teacher, shaping the lives of countless children, including her own. She believed strongly in the importance of reading to children daily and was herself a voracious reader. She was also very proud of her Irish heritage and enjoyed singing, especially hymns and Irish tunes, with her siblings. Linda enjoyed cooking delicious meals for family and friends and many of her recipes are still being made and enjoyed by her family. Linda was very active in her community and served in leadership roles in numerous organizations, including 20th Century Club and Delta Kappa Gamma. Linda enjoyed reading, music, travel (especially to the family cabin on Paradox Lake), gardening and birdwatching, but the thing that brought her the most joy was to spend time with her family. Linda’s unconditional love, kindness and gratitude will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind her children: Debra DeLorenzo (Henry), Tony DeLorenzo (Lori); grandchildren: Rachel, Emma, Brandon and Sean; her siblings: Esther Cornell, Fran Delapenha (Don), Bill Murphy (Sue). Linda is predeceased by her parents and sister Joyce. The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the outstanding and compassionate care she received for many years at the Longview Garden and, most recently, Ithaca Hospice. Due to Covid restrictions, which also robbed Linda of the nourishment of seeing loved ones in person, the family will gather at a later date to celebrate her life. Donations may be made in her name to the Family Reading Partnership, 54 Gunderman Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Cortland Presbyterian Church, 25 Church Street, Cortland 13045.