Mary Therese Murphy Prochaska

Born January 5, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois, reared in Michigan, and a Knoxvillian since 1965. She entered eternal life on September 16, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Preceded in death by her husband of fifty-five years Joseph Martin Prochaska, son John Martin Prochaska, grandson Anthony Joseph Mary, parents Robert Q. and Vilna (Primeau) Murphy. Survived by children Maggie (John) MacDonald, Tina Prochaska, Joe (Catherine) Prochaska, Michael Prochaska, Rosemary (Tony) Mary, Laura (Don) Holecek, seventeen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, sister Sheila Murphy, and nephew Joseph (Stephanie) Murphy. Communicant at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus for the past 53 years. Graduate of Michigan State University. Mary was a longtime volunteer at FISH food pantry, taught adult literacy, and volunteered at the Bearden Middle School Clinic. Mom was a proud possessor of the Murphy genes, which she claimed accounted for every talent and virtue held by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She defeated tuberculosis after a year-long battle in her twenties, took piano lessons in her sixties, and kept laughing into her eighties. She loved to knit slipper socks and afghans for anyone who would use them. She was a voracious reader who loved to keep learning. Mom loved her faith, she loved her friends, and she loved her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her life. She welcomed all her children’s friends into her home and into her heart. She was a second mom to so many. Her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies were legendary. She and Daddy had a beautiful happy marriage, providing a loving home and a happy childhood for us all. We were blessed with her radiant smile and generous heart. “Didn’t we have fun?!” Special thanks to the staff at Westmoreland Health and Rehabilitation Center and to longtime family friend Ursula Gyurik. Receiving of friends at Rose-Mann Mortuary, 6200 Kingston Pike, on Wednesday, September 19 from 5 to 7 pm, followed by a recitation of the Rosary; funeral mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 711 Northshore Drive, at 1pm on Thursday, September 20, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. The family is hosting a Celebration of Mary's Life at 5pm following interment in the Parish Hall at Sacred Heart Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Sacred Heart Cathedral, 711 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919 or Catholic Charities, 3009 Lake Brook Boulevard, Knoxville, Tennessee 37909.

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Mary Therese Murphy Prochaska

September 16, 2018