Catherine M. Murphy

Catherine "Cathy" M. Murphy of Country Club Hills, Illinois and Schererville, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at the age of 84 years. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Fredrick R. Copp; her parents William Murphy and Mary Burke; her brother Joseph Murphy; and her sister Martha Oster. Cathy is survived by her loving children Jennifer (Bruce) Arrieta and Sean (Jessica) Copp, and her step-daughters Barbara (Walter) Sparks and Cheryl Copp. She was a cherished grandmother to Alex and Allison Arrieta, Cayden and Austin Copp, Erica Dumont, Monica Meyers, Christine Collins, and Shawn Purdy. She was a devoted sister to Eleanor Coyne and a fond aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Cathy completed her Ph.D. in Mathematics at The Catholic University of America in 1968. She dedicated 56 years to Purdue University Northwest, retiring in August 2024. During her illustrious career, she served as a Professor of Mathematics; the Chair of the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics; and Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Science. In her leisure time, Cathy enjoyed cooking, reading, traveling, and creating memories with family and friends.

A visitation service will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 S. Dixie Hwy, Homewood, Illinois 60430, followed by a private interment. For more information, please visit www.tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Shriners Children's at donate.lovetotherescue.org.