Obituary of Sharon Kathleen Murphy
Sharon Kathleen Leeg Murphy
Sharon was born March 13, 1944 in Inglewood, California, daughter of Norma Eatough and Kenton Leeg. She grew up in Southern California and then life took her to Oneonta, New York where she married Leonard (Pat) Murphy and had her only daughter, Jenifer (Bryn). On Bryn's 3rd birthday, Sharon and Bryn moved into their home in Paradise, California where Sharon lived for the next 40 years.
Sharon attended college at University of the Pacific, California State University, Long Beach, and University of California, Irvine where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English.
Sharon loved her work as a social worker for Butte County Department of Social Welfare from 1977 to 1990. Her compassionate heart was a shining light in the lives of the children and families she served. She pioneered the Babies Born Substance Abused Program, which provided education and resources for foster care families to address the special needs required to care for children born with substance exposure. From 1990-2005 she worked for Butte County Adult Services Employment Office where she was instrumental in training and placing adults seeking improved employment.
Sharon left this Earth to dance in heaven on April 17, 2018 after succumbing to complications associated with Parkinson’s disease.
She leaves behind her daughter Bryn Murphy Davis, her son-in-law Tyler Davis, and their children: Porter, Mason, Ethan, and Ellie. She is also survived by her siblings James Leeg, Thomas Leeg, Janine Leeg and Rebecca Leeg. She was preceded in death by her brother Charles (Tony) Leeg and her parents Kenton and Norma Leeg.
Sharon loved her family fiercely. She took great pride in being a loving mother and grandmother. She treated everyone like family – always offering a warm smile and kind words. She lived life without judgment and lifted everyone around her. She was a very generous and wonderful friend and she valued friendships and relationships and put a lot of effort toward them.
Her favorite activity was dancing. She would sashay in long, colorful skirts and wear a perfect smile when she danced. Her eyes – the color of the ocean -- sparkled whenever she had the opportunity to dance. She could be found any night of the week ballroom dancing.
Sharon loved to read, often listening to books on tape during her commutes. One of her favorite places to visit was the ocean which she found calming and peaceful. She took many road trips and enjoyed travel of all kinds. She created beauty in every area of her life. Her own yard was as colorful as her dancing skirts with flowers and fruit all around. She was a friend to all living creatures, having many pets throughout her life, including several dogs and cats and once, even a pet raccoon. Her love extended to all the neighborhood families, children, and pets.
Most of all, Sharon loved to serve and help many people. She served the community by participating in the local chapters of The Moose Lodge and The Elks Lodge. Sharon never asked anything of anyone or expected anything in return. She treated every stranger like a friend, and people often walked away touched by her kindness.
The world has suffered a tremendous loss with Sharon’s passing. We hope she’s dancing in heaven with all her loved ones, and is now able to hug her parents and brother again. She is an angel in Heaven, as she was on Earth.
A service will be held in Sharon’s honor at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 1275 Bille Road in Paradise on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 11 a.m.
As we remember Sharon's beautiful life, we can honor her legacy by practicing kindness and generosity towards everyone we meet just as she did. Arrangements entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home 530-534-3877.
