Helen Louise Fadal Murphy
August 7, 1938 May 6, 2012

Helen Louise Fadal Murphy, 73, died Sunday, May 6 at Providence Healthcare Center in Waco. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, May 10, 10:00 A.M. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 305 N. 30th St., with the Reverend Jimmy Abbott, Assistant Rector, officiating. Following the service,
internment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, South 5th St. Condolences may be offered on Wednesday evening, May 9, 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Connally-Compton Funeral Home.

Helen was born August 7, 1938 in Waco to H. Otis Fadal and Nell Garrett Fadal. She grew up in Waco with a sister and two brothers and enjoyed a close knit family with loving uncles, aunts and cousins. She attended West Jr. High where she was a cheerleader and graduated from Waco High School in 1956. In 1960, Helen married Charles Murphy and lived in Dallas where her two sons, Charles Jr. and Shawn were born. They then moved to the Woodlands where Helen took great pleasure in participating in civic and local politics. She served as a supportive parent in Little League baseball and football. Helen worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as an office administrative assistant for many years. She won the admiration of her co-workers and superiors for her work ethic and dedication and made many friends during these years. Due to medical problems, Helen took early retirement and in 2002, she received a liver transplant at Baylor Medical Hospital in Dallas. She was forever grateful to the doctors and nurses there who gave her ten extra years of life. Because of her hearing impairment, Helen learned to read lips to more effectively communicate with others. On her computer "chat" room, she corresponded with numerous people who had also undergone a liver transplant. Through her determination to live a productive life, Helen never allowed her health issues to defeat her, always wearing a sweet smile and encouraging others to overcome their own illnesses.

Since childhood, Helen was an avid reader and enjoyed talking on various topics as a result of her extensive reading. She was baptized, confirmed and married in St. Alban's Episcopal Church which she attended before leaving and after returning to Waco, until her health prevented her attendance.

Helen was known to children in the neighborhood as "Grandma" because of the love and attention she showered upon them. Her neighbors will miss her kindness and genuine concern. She enjoyed her daily walks in the neighborhood visiting with everyone.

Preceding her in death were her son, Charles Clifford Murphy, Jr.; parents, Otis and Nell Fadal; sister, Dorothy Fadal Ferris; nephew Al Ferris, Jr.; and great-nephew, Adam Ferris. She is survived by her son, Shawn Murphy and wife, Shelley, and two precious granddaughters, Avery and Audrey of Allen; brothers, Dr. Ronald Fadal and wife, Mary Lois; Dr. Robert Fadal and wife, Janice ; and former husband and devoted companion, Charles Murphy. Other survivors include her nephews, Kevin Otis Ferris and wife, Stephanie; Dr. Robert E. (Chip) Fadal; Dr. Ronald N. Fadal and wife, Jennifer; Robin Scott Fadal and wife Rita; Barney Jack Fadal and wife, Lisa; and Hugh Evan Fadal and wife Courtney. Helen also enjoyed the love and admiration of many great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins. The love of family was of paramount importance all of her life.

Another major part of her family to whom she was deeply devoted was her silky terrier Max, and her two cats, Bob Katt and Ditzy. Helen was known to provide a home to many homeless animals and in return received their love.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the Baylor Medical Liver Transplant Unit in Dallas and to Waco physicians, Dr. Ronald Wilson, Dr. Michael Jahmarkt, Dr. Wayne Falcone, and Dr. Karl Trippe for their care during her illness. Special appreciation is extended to the outstanding nurses in Providence ICU Second Floor and the staff of the 4th floor Providence Hospice, who showed such love and compassion. Their support was above and beyond their prescribed duties.

Pallbearers will be her nephews, Kevin Ferris, Dr. Chip Fadal, Barney Fadal, Hugh Fadal, Dr. Ron N. Fadal, and Robin Fadal, all of whom are privileged to honor their Aunt Helen in this way.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fuzzy Friends or to Providence Hospice or to a charity of one's choice.

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Helen Louise Fadal Murphy, 73, died Sunday, May 6 at Providence Healthcare Center in Waco. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, May 10, 10:00 A.M. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 305 N. 30th St., with the Reverend Jimmy Abbott, Assistant Rector, officiating. Following the service, internment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, South 5th St. Condolences may be offered on Wednesday evening, May 9, 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Connally-Compton Funeral Home.Helen was born August 7, 1938 in Waco to H. Otis Fadal and Nell Garrett Fadal. She grew up in Waco with a sister and two brothers and enjoyed a close knit family with loving uncles, aunts and cousins. She attended West Jr. High where she was a cheerleader and graduated from Waco High School in 1956. In 1960, Helen married Charles Murphy and lived in Dallas where her two sons, Charles Jr. and Shawn were born. They then moved to the Woodlands where Helen took great pleasure in participating in civic and local politics. She served as a supportive parent in Little League baseball and football. Helen worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as an office administrative assistant for many years. She won the admiration of her co-workers and superiors for her work ethic and dedication and made many friends during these years. Due to medical problems, Helen took early retirement and in 2002, she received a liver transplant at Baylor Medical Hospital in Dallas. She was forever grateful to the doctors and nurses there who gave her ten extra years of life. Because of her hearing impairment, Helen learned to read lips to more effectively communicate with others. On her computer "chat" room, she corresponded with numerous people who had also undergone a liver transplant. Through her determination to live a productive life, Helen never allowed her health issues to defeat her, always wearing a sweet smile and encouraging others to overcome their own illnesses. Since childhood, Helen was an avid reader and enjoyed talking on various topics as a result of her extensive reading. She was baptized, confirmed and married in St. Alban's Episcopal Church which she attended before leaving and after returning to Waco, until her health prevented her attendance.Helen was known to children in the neighborhood as "Grandma" because of the love and attention she showered upon them. Her neighbors will miss her kindness and genuine concern. She enjoyed her daily walks in the neighborhood visiting with everyone.