Emelie L. Murphy, 66, of Keyport, passed away July 25, peacefully at home in the arms of her two daughters, due to complications from metastatic breast cancer. Emelie was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, and, although she moved to Staten Island in 1980 and then to Keyport in 2015, the Bronx was always her true home and heart.
Growing up she enjoyed spending summers with her family in Massachusetts. Emmy, born and raised Irish Catholic, became a parishioner of Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Aberdeen in 2015. Over the years she worked at both Staten Island Yacht Sales and Richmond Tile, both on Staten Island.
In 2004 she decided to follow her heart and become and E.M.T. She proudly worked as an E.M.T. for both On Time Ambulance and the Atlantic Health Care System. After her first battle with breast cancer in 2014, she settled in to a new position as transport liaison with Atlantic Health until her passing. She spoke so fondly and lovingly of her amazing coworkers, nicknamed “the fishbowl.”
Throughout her life, Emelie shared her love of the culinary arts with all of her family and friends. She was an amazing cook and had recently planted her summer herb and vegetable garden. Emelie loved any and all celebrations with family and friends. Holidays like Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day were always her favorite. From backyard BBQs or just nights out on the town, Emelie could always be found with a smile on her face, dancing with a drink in hand and living it up. Emelie loved to see live music, concerts and local bands. Emmy was a true wild Irish rose with a love of tattoos, motorcycles and rock and roll music.
Emelie also had a tremendous love of the ocean and beach which was a factor in her relocation to what she lovingly called “her little beach house.” Emelie loved spending time in her beautiful front flower garden as well, which she stated was what heaven would look like.
A true animal lover, she rescued many dogs and cats over her lifetime. She supported a multitude of animal sanctuary and rescue groups but her most beloved was the Endangered Wolf Foundation.
Emelie had a tremendous sense of humor, a heart full of kindness, a feisty attitude and a resilient spirit. She was a true warrior in her cancer journey and an inspiration to so many. Above all the greatest loves in Emelie’s life were her two daughters. Her daughters said, “She was both a mother and a best friend. She was our life and our everything.”
Emelie is survived by daughters, Jena Murphy-Robidas of Manhattan, New York, and Samantha Lutz-Tuzzio of Keyport; sons-in-law, James Robidas and Louis Tuzzio; her furbabies, Maggie Mae and Nova; and her grandpuppy Frankie. She held the hearts of many friends and coworkers, including her closest, Bill Lutz, Denise Petrie Gallagher and Ruthann Wiseman.
Wake and services by Pastor Gary Costa were held July 28. Cremation was private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Emelie’s name to The Endangered Wolf Center at endangeredwolfcenter.org.
Arrangements were entrusted to Posten-McGinley Funeral Home, Atlantic Highlands.
The article originally appeared in the August 20 – 26, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
