Christine M. Murphy

Albany - Christine M. Murphy “Chris” Murphy left this earthly world on October 25, 2024 after an unexpected decline in her health. Chris was born on January 14, 1957 to the late John and Jeannette Murphy in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Chris spent her early years in Saratoga County, living in Stillwater, Waterford and Schuylerville. She graduated from Schuylerville Central School in 1976.

After High School, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Skidmore College in 1981. Following that, she moved to Albany, New York to pursue her Master’s degree in Criminal Justice at SUNY Albany. Following the successful completion of her Master’s degree, she remained in Albany.

Chris dealt with many health-related challenges over the course of her life, but she did not let those challenges prevent her from enjoying the things she loved. 

Chris had many interests in her life. She was a student of the Tarot for her entire adult life and would sometimes do readings for friends and family. She truly enjoyed this, and over the years amassed a large and beautiful collection of Tarot and Oracle decks. She was a voracious reader. As a child, she shared her mom’s love of Science Fiction, and for many years was enrolled in the Science Fiction Book Club. This later evolved into a love for fantasy novels, and she had a large collection of books by writers such as Kim Harrison, JR Ward, MK Hune, Patricia Briggs, Nora Roberts, Clive Barker and Dean Koontz. She was also keenly interested in history, especially ancient history, true crime books, biographies, books about the music industry, and natural history. She loved doing puzzles, and logic problems were her specialty! She also enjoyed movies and had a large collection of DVDs. She was especially fond of vampire films, but really loved classic horror, and classic Hollywood films and was a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe. She was also a music enthusiast, and was a 70’s rock fan, but would also listen oldies of the 40’s through the 60’s, and classical music as well. She was a huge fan of the group Queen, and was a collector of all things Queen, which adorned her walls, her bookshelves, her music collection, and her clothing. She loved painting and coloring, and often made gifts of her beautiful art work to friends and family.

Her friends were central to her life, and she loved for them to visit. She enjoyed watching Queen videos and listening to Queen music, as well as other types of music with her friends. She looked forward to exchanging gifts at Christmas with them and sending greeting cards. She was kind to everyone, and always projected a pleasant demeanor, even if she was not feeling well.

Chris loved all animal life. She had a special affinity for wolves, owls, horses, and tigers. Over the course of her life, she had several pet cats including Freddie Merkitty, Diana, and Marc. In later life, she had a beautiful aquarium full of fresh water fish, and a tank with pet frogs. They were all named individually, and she loved them as much as she loved her furry pets.

Chris was predeceased by her sister, Kathleen Olson. 

She is survived by her sister Teresa (Johnny) Matuszyk, and her nephew Jon, and several Nieces and Nephews.

Chris had a special love and appreciation for Big Cats and enjoyed watching videos online from the Wildcat Sanctuary in Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue https://www.wisconsinbigcats.org

Calling hours 4 to 6 p.m. followed by 6 p.m. a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024 at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. 

In accordance to Christine’s wishes, a Green burial will be held at 10:00am on Saturday November 9, 2024 at Vale Cemetery 907 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12307.

To leave a special message for the family please visit NewComerAlbany.com