Jean Amelia Mulcahy (nee Murphy), of Meridianville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2024, at the age of 63, following a brief illness.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, James J. and Carol (nee Kilpatrick) Murphy. In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by two of her brothers, Steve and Phil Murphy.
Jean is survived by her husband, Rick Mulcahy; stepson, Danny Mulcahy, his wife, Anita, and their daughter, Alina; and stepson Michael Mulcahy (Maciej Garbowski). In addition, Jean is survived by three brothers: Mike, Jim (Lynda), and Tom (Tyler Curtis) Murphy.
She is further survived by her nephews and nieces: Charlie and Brad Murphy; Erin (Matt) Fete, Kate, and Conor Murphy; and Erin Curtis (Brock Swanson), Sean, Shea and Nora Murphy. Also, she is survived by her great-nephew, Keiran Murphy.
Born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on February 12, 1961, Jean was the third eldest of six children. She was the only daughter and named in honor of both her maternal and paternal grandmothers. Jean was a devoted wife and stepmother, as well as a loving daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, friend, and neighbor.
Raised alongside her five brothers in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, she was a member of the Pewaukee High School class of 1979.
Jean had a great love for her family and, while she hadn’t lived in Wisconsin for more than 40 years, she traveled back home often for family gatherings, weddings and graduations. It was on these occasions she was the happiest – enjoying laughter, good food, and storytelling – and in the company of those she loved. Jean was proud of her Irish heritage and always shared a warm, Irish smile and a hug (or two) with everyone she met.
Jean served her country as a member of the United States military. She was an Army veteran stationed at bases throughout the country (Arizona, California, Washington, Oregon, and Alabama). She also served overseas with deployments to South Korea (twice) and Germany.
Prior to enlisting in the Army, Jean had a brief career in nursing.
She retired from the United States Army in 2005 as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2). Following her retirement, Jean was engaged in work within the health and financial wellness fields. And, in her free time, she enjoyed cooking, gardening, woodworking, hiking, reveling in nature, and
researching her Irish roots and family’s genealogy.
Though Jean shared many gifts with the world, she will always be remembered for her kind and generous heart. She shared treasured bonds with those closest to her, and will be dearly missed by family members and friends.
The Murphy and Mulcahy families are grateful to many extended family members, friends, and neighbors who have offered support during this difficult time.
A private Celebration of Life for the family will take place over Christmas. A memorial service and military burial will take place in Jean’s home state of Wisconsin in 2025.
If you are interested in making a charitable gift in Jean’s memory, please consider a donation to the American Red Cross, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, or your favorite charity.
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rains fall soft upon your fields,
and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
–
An Irish Blessing
