Irene (Barnard) (Mellen) Murphy, of Cromwell, formerly of Wethersfield, died Friday, August 2, 2013 at Middlesex Memorial Hospital after almost 91very full years of life. Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, UK, she was the daughter of the late Frank R. and Marion (Nicholson) Barnard .
She was a sixty- year member of First Church of Christ in Wethersfield where she served as a deacon, sang in the church choir, taught nursery school, and enjoyed the camaraderie of the Amen Stitchers. For many years she was the Wethersfield High School guidance office secretary where she was affectionately known as the “English Lady.” She was an avid reader, loved to travel, was a wonderful homemaker, chuckled over the Peanuts comic strip, and played a great game of bridge.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Malcolm Zickler of Niceville, FL and Susan and Steven Palmer of East Hartford; her brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Marcia Barnard of Middletown, NJ; and her sister, Susan Conlon of Somerset, NJ. She was also blessed with five wonderful grandchildren: Andrew and Ian Zickler; Caitlin, Sarah, and Jillian Palmer; and 2 beautiful great granddaughters: Madison Jeski, and Alden Schoenfield-Zickler. She also leaves her step-sons and their spouses: Michael and Jean Murphy of Glastonbury, Scott and Cathy Murphy of Wethersfield, and Dean and Carol Murphy, also of Wethersfield.
Besides her parents she was predeceased by her loving husbands, Frank R. Mellen (1976), and Valentine L. Murphy (2013); her son, John R. Mellen; her brother, Frank R. Barnard, Jr.; and her step-mother, Jean K. Barnard.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the First Church of Christ, 250 Main St., Wethersfield. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours, however the family welcomes guests to gather in the Cadwell Building Connector after the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Middlesex Memorial Hospital Home Care, or your favorite charity.