Marie Fernandes Murphy departed peacefully in Hawaii on June 14, 2022, surrounded by loved ones under a bright Strawberry Super Full Moon - she took her last breath after hearing her husband express his profound love for her. 

 

Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Marie moved to Calgary, Canada at the age of 10.  From a young age, Marie’s star always shined bright - intelligent, happy and fun-loving.   She graduated from St Francis High School with the award for highest scholastic honors. She continued onto university as a high academic achiever with dual Bachelor’s degrees in economics and computer science, 1988. Maire worked in the insurance industry for a few years before moving to the U.S. in 1990 where she lived and worked in New York before moving to her longtime home in the Washington DC Metro area where she meet the love of her life Patrick Murphy.  Marie and Patrick wed in a grand celebration on July 4th, 1999.   She owned and managed a very successful cyber security consulting company in Maryland for over 10 years.  In 2019 Marie, gave up her consulting company to pursue a career as the Chief Information Security Officer of the Peace Corps in Washington, DC. where she retired.  In 2021, Marie fulfilled her dream to spend her retirement near her brother, Maverick and moved to live in Kailua, Hawaii where she would spend countless mornings walking on the beach, meditating and enjoying a meal with her family and new friends.

 

When she wasn’t working, Marie loved to play golf and mahjong, shop, travel the world and spend time with loved ones over food and drink.  She also volunteered her time teaching seniors computer skills.  She had a collection and deep connection to dragonflies and always said she’d come back to visit as one.

 

Throughout Marie's 3 + year-battle with cancer, she never gave up.  She went through 9 different versions of chemo, all with various uncomfortable, sometimes debilitating side effects.  She was incredibly strong-willed and dignified. She seldom complained and tried hard to stay optimist throughout.  Through all of this she was constantly doing research and incorporating alternative ways to heal the body.  She would take the time to share these learnings with others in need.  Marie touched countless numbers of lives all over the world.  Kindhearted and caring who put others before her own needs and brought fun and laughter to others, a consummate role model and mentor to many.  Marie will rest forever in our hearts and memories.   

 

Marie was preceded by her father Arcanjo (Michael) Fernandes and brother Malcom Fernandes.  She is survived by her beloved husband of 25 years, Patrick; mother Gemma Fernandes, brother Maverick Fernandes (Susanne Kurisu), two nieces (Cassidy and Samantha) and a nephew (Joshua).  

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The family requests no flowers at this time.  However, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Marie Murphy to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or American Cancer Society or any non-profit organization of your choice.  

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From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for all of those who visited, offered assistance throughout Marie's battle, for all the thoughts and prayers sent to our family.  No words will ever be able to express our gratitude!