Gail L. Murphy

GAIL L. MURPHY AUGUST 23, 1952 – JANUARY 29, 2017 Gail L. Murphy passed away early January 29th with her loving daughter Jessica by her side. Gail was born August 23rd, 1952 in Clarksburg, West Virginia to Hollis J. and Robert L. Heidelmeier. After living in a home built by her father in Bridgeport, WV, the family moved to Littleton, Colorado in 1962. She graduated from Bear Creek High School in 1970, then attended dental school earning her dental assistant certifications in 1971. After a few years of working in the orthodontics field, she became proficient in preparing custom retainers for patients. In a career that would span over 25 years, she took great pride in her specialty, and enjoyed the friendships with her coworkers, doctors and patients. On February 1, 1975 she married her husband Michael Murphy, who was there by her side every step of the way, supporting her during 42 years of marriage. Then they welcomed the birth of their daughter Jessica Anne. The family enjoyed a few years living in their first home on Irving Street in Denver, before moving to their current Littleton home in 1978. Gail enjoyed taking Jessica to swimming lessons, and later swim meets. She often took long walks around the neighborhood and nearby lake with her husband. Their dogs Gretel, KC, and Zoe provided great company and enjoyment for her through the years. She would get together with neighbors year around within their cul-de-sac, and enjoy many hours of outdoor socializing and fun. Even after large snow storms, they were known to have cookouts with neighbors in the warm winter sun. Gail loved to dance, and grew up listening to The Beatles and other 60’s bands. She was very artistic and creative, with pottery being one of her favorite art classes in high school. Later she dabbled in mosaic art, as well as painting. She played in golf leagues during the summer, and bowling leagues in the winter. Her book groups and diabetic support groups kept her busy in between. She also earned licenses in tax preparation and real estate. She was officially diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 23. Though she would need to take insulin shots the rest of her life, she didn’t let this disease slow her down. She was always determined to overcome and succeed. In 1998 doctors found she had developed Lupus. With two autoimmune diseases, life became much more difficult for her. Even after the loss of toes on one foot due to both diseases, she still continued to go for walks and play golf. Gardening and bird watching became her passions later in life. She found great joy in watching her grand daughter grow up, and cherished the times she was able to be with her. She is survived by her mother Hollis, husband Mike, daughter Jessica (husband Bert) Ottmers, grand daughter Sophie Ottmers, and brother Bob (wife Sarah) Heidelmeier. Gail was ever hopeful a cure would be found for diabetes and lupus. Unfortunately it did not happen in her lifetime. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association, or the Lupus Foundation of America. The Committal Services will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 2:00 pm, Staging Area "A".