Obituary of Frances Murtha

Frances Murtha July 07, 1919 - August 24, 2009 Frances (Silver) Murtha, of Westwood Drive, Danbury, wife of the late John Murtha, died peacefully, in the presence of her family, on Monday, August 24th at Danbury Hospital. She was born in Bethel on July 7, 1919, daughter of the late Ignaz and Anna (Orzech) Silver. She was a graduate of Danbury High School, and later received her nursing degree from Bridgeport Hospital. Francie had an entrepreneurial spirit, successfully owning and operating a restaurant in Miami and later a shoe store in Danbury, alongside her husband. She was a parishioner of St. Peter Church in Danbury. She was an active member and volunteer at the Danbury Senior Center, where she also practiced Tai Chi. An avid gardener, she planted vegetables, flowers and loved to attract hummingbirds to her yard with her plantings. Her love of gardening is a legacy that she passed on to her children and grandchildren. A loving mother, and grandmother, she most recently celebrated her 90th birthday in Rhode Island, surrounded by her whole family. She will be sadly missed by her three cherished daughters, Catherine Washabaugh and her husband, Bill of Milwaukee, WI, Patricia Murtha and her husband, Daniel Daignault of Bethel, and Carol Murtha of New Milford; her six grandchildren, Kate Washabaugh and her husband, Mark Nessel, Bill and Fritz Washabaugh, Jaime and Alex Daignault, and Riley Collins. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and her canine family. Funeral Information Funeral Services will be held at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Wednesday, August 26th at 4:00pm. The family will receive friends between 3:00 and 4:00pm. Cremation and interment in St. Peter Cemetery will take place at the convenience of the family. Donations Information Memorial Contributions may be made in her memory to the Danbury Senior Center or to Meals on Wheels.