Roberta Regina Murphy

Roberta Regina Murphy, age 86, of Orlando, Florida passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Born in New York, NY on March 5, 1939, to her late parents, Raymond William Thompson and Anna Charlotte Thompson. Roberta married her late husband, James Thomas Murphy on February 13, 1965. Prior to his passing almost 5 years ago they were married for 56 years. They moved to Winter Park, FL on July 1, 1967.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary A. (Phillip) Sanders, daughter, Eileen P. (Robert) Comeau, son, Patrick J. (Anna Marie) Murphy, grandchildren, Kaitlyn E. (Patrick) Sanders-Condon, Morgan C. (Nicholas) Sanders-Preziosi, Sean P. Murphy, and Emily N. Comeau, great-grandchildren, James N. Preziosi, Thomas P. Condon, and Arthur W. Preziosi.

Although Roberta grew up an only child she was surrounded by many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. In her early twenties she worked at Metropolitan Life where she created some deep friendships. She and her friends liked to travel and enjoyed visiting Europe and Hawaii.

Roberta met James at a cousin's wedding. They immediately began dating and after a short engagement they married. Prior to moving to Florida with the Navy they welcomed their first daughter. Once established in Florida they had another daughter, and then a son.

Roberta was a devout Catholic. She attended Catholic school in New York. She and James were founding members of the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Winter Park, FL. Roberta became very involved in Church Clubs and activities. Along with her husband they ran the "Murphy's Irish Coffee Booth" at the Annual Fall Festival for several years. She also was an avid baker, she became known as a Cake Decorator, being referred to as "The Cake Lady". She was up for any creative challenge from making cakes for Birthdays to Retirement to Weddings. She enjoyed crafting and was an amazing knitter. She could make up her own patterns and loved creating knitted goods like blankets, hats and sweaters for her family and friends.

Roberta was also co-director for Sts. Peter and Paul Child Care from September 1, 1980 until June 8, 2001. She could often be found sitting on the floor in the "Baby Room" caring for the infants. There she was lovingly known as "Ms. Berta" to many families for more than 20 years.

As their children grew, Roberta and Jim became avid travelers. They enjoyed cruising to the Caribbean and Alaska, but Roberta's most favorite place to travel was Ireland. She enjoyed a total of 10 trips to Ireland. No sooner was she home, she was ready to plan her next trip back to Ireland. If you ever mentioned being interested in traveling there, she was quick to provide you with reference material and ready to help plan your itinerary.

Roberta was the heart of the family, whom she fiercely loved. That love also extended to her friends. She was always ready to show her love by making "anything" you would like to eat, sitting with you while you told stories of your day, going shopping together or just being quiet. In the last few years whenever she saw her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren she would light up. One of the last conversations she had prior to passing was asking if there were "any more babies"?

The last couple of years Dementia had not been kind, it began taking more of her thoughts and speech. We are comforted to know she is whole again and with her husband, "Jimmy" as she liked to call him. They are reunited again (and in time for their Anniversary) and surrounded by family and friends in the Lord's presence.

Family and friends are invited to the Visitation on Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 10am to 12pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 3806 Howell Branch Road, Winter Park, FL 32792.

Family and friends are also invited to the Funeral Mass on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 10:30 am at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 5300 Old Howell Branch Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792.

Interment will follow at Glen Haven Memorial Park, 2300 Temple Drive, Winter Park, FL 32789.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to "Charitable Organization" (like Operation Smile, March of Dimes, etc).