Thank you for visiting this memorial website created in memory of our loved one
Suzanne Dawn Murphy-Ugarte
,
Mrs. Murphy's Celebration of Life Service
was held on Saturday, May 16, 2015
at the school where she taught World History
and sponsored various student clubs.
North East High School
700 N.E. 56th Street
Oakland Park, Florida
Her memorial program began at 3pm in the auditorium to a packed house, nearly 400, immediately followed by a reception in the school cafeteria.
The students who staffed the food tables wore T-shirts from the
clubs Mrs. Murphy sponsored.
The formal program began with a poem recited by childhood friend, Andrea Hall; followed by Teri Williams, Broward Schools, Department of Diversity and Lily Medina, "No Hate Initiative" Anti-Defamation League. Student Government President, Alleya Bristol, recited a poem written by fellow student Hailey Price. Next, School Principal, Jonathan Williams shared a tribute, followed by Shirley Hall a friend of Suzanne. Student, Raghni Douglas sang, "Me and You Against the World" then Darius Daughtry shared his original poem "Seeds". Family remembrances were shared by Suzanne's brother, Patrick Murphy followed by Suzanne's husband, Hugo, and their son Gianni by his side. Dr. Pauline Chin asked for prayers for the family. The memorial closed with a trumpet solo of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" performed by long-time family friend, Bulbi Campbell. Saundra Anderson served as Mistress of Ceremonies.
Suzanne "Mrs. Murphy" started a peace garden at the school a few years back and that will be revived. The school will also dedicate a curriculum in her name called "Suzanne's Lessons".
It was a beautiful tribute.
Many thanks to all who attended, provided assistance
or sent their good wishes
_____________________________
Suzanne Murphy-Ugarte born to Edward & Lola Murphy in Kingston, JA on September 20, 1961, surrendered her battle to cancer April 26, 2015 surrounded by her family.
Suzanne's spirit lives on in her husband Hugo; her son, Gianni; her Mum, Lola Vaz-Murphy; her siblings David, Patrick & JudyAnn as well as her Uncles, Aunts, Niece, Nephews, Cousins, friends, colleagues and of course, her students!
We encourage you to post a tribute and/or add photos.
Suzanne, though gone physically, will remain in our hearts forever!
Tributes
Leave a tributeYour presence and ❤️ love I still feel
You are gone but never forgotten
Happy 60th my friend. I think of you often, so many wonderful and funny memories. RIP
Man you were right about so many things. First, I did find some of the greatest friends in college. Second, all the blocks you build for us to stand on it was not a waste. I became a teacher because of you and this past Wednesday I graduated with my Master’s of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins! Every step I made was because of how you encouraged this quiet girl in a big world. I tell everyone about you. My sister and I talk about you all the time; about how much we love you, how much we are still carrying your words with us, and how much we miss you. Thanks for being the first person to believe in me.
Love,
Angie
Another year that you are missed
Another year your presence is felt
Gone in the flesh, but here in my heart
Live Laugh Love
Andrea
How I miss our talks and you making some correction about something.
RIP dear one. I'm still keeping an eye on Mum for you.
Miss you my friend
Angie
Miss ya! Don’t correct my English
Our memories live on
Gillian, Marius and Flora
Another year has passed, how time goes by so quickly.
Well, Mummy has joined you. She passed on Feb 24. Its so empty without two of my confidants. Please look for her, she would be so happy to see you. Miss your smile and humor
Love you my friend
Dawn B
We called you Suzanne - Mother, Wife, Daughter, Sister, and Friend.
I miss you so much, our weekend jaunts and chats.
Forever my sister friend
May God bless your amazing family and especially your husband and son Gianni.
P.S. Make sure to teach my little cousin Micheala everything you taught me. :) <3
Carletta Davis Toronto Canada
The friend of all, the friend of truth,
The friend of age, and guide of youth:
Few hearts like hers, with virtue warm'd,
Few heads with knowledge so inform'd;
If there's another world, she lives in bliss;
If there is none, she made the best of this.
My friend, my mentor, the shining star of my first teaching team.
Miss you forever.
Ups and Downs Along The Way
But Because of You I Can Reminisce....
Thanks for Great Memories
Thanks for Healthy Conversations
Big Laughters
Little Battles
Encouragements
...and most of all Your Friendship!
See you on the other side...
Jennifer (Wakeland) Gordon-Martin
When we talked about her travels I realized that she was not interested in the usual touristy stuff. Her passion for travel derived from her love of history and the desire to understand how different cultures obtained and survived and of course, her love for the common man-of all races, cultures and status.
When she gave up the corporate pursuit and entered the classroom, I believe, she found her sweet spot. She wanted so badly for her kids to open their eyes and hearts to the universe and to fall in love with the process of learning. That passion, I believe, is what differentiates great teachers from the good or mediocre ones.
During her illness, I called one day to try to persuade her to do whatever was medically advised to survive. I left our conversation with a whole lot of respect for her viewpoint and an even higher regard for her as a person.
As longevity goes, this was a short life. But it was a life lived to the optimum and it was significant. Family, please take comfort in that thought. She is gone from us physically. She will not be forgotten.
Long live Suzanne!!
May the peace of God that passes ALL understanding be yours today as you mourn the loss of your beloved Suzanne.
May your soul rest in peace.
Leave a Tribute
Your presence and ❤️ love I still feel
You are gone but never forgotten
"People who shine within don't need the spotlight"
You were a phenomenal woman, I will forever admire you as a person. This picture expresses the person you were in every way possible. Your smile, your laugher, your beauty within, the joy and happiness you brought with you to every class. Your loving and caring attitude that shines so bright. Thank you for being more than a teacher, Thank you for being a role model and a mentor, Thank you for impacting the lives of people in so many positive ways, Thank you for being an inspiration, Thank you for being the true definition a strong powerful woman, Thank you for helping mold me into the person I am today.I appreciate everything that you have taught and showed me. The memories will forever be in my heart and I will cherish each one of them. I love you Mrs. Suzanne Murphy may you Rest In Paradise.
Teacher Extraordinare
Suzanne and I had a blast during our short time together. Both Jamaicans, both Broward County teachers, two firsts that we celebrated together. The year 2014 saw us both recipients of the Holocaust Educator of the Year Award which took us to Israel for three weeks. No one could have guessed that was only our third time meeting up with each other. We bonded so easily and became fast and steady friends. We were always together and accounting for each other. We could often be heard challenging the status quo; seen taking the risks of going places we were told were off limits because we felt the reasoning wasn't adding up; touring Israel within an hour of us heading to the airport; stuffing our already overstuffed luggage with last minute buys we knew we had no space for; and having dinner after our return where we could openingly, freely and finally voice our most sincere opinions and thoughts without offending others. I am still trying to wrap my head around this news. I was so sure you were going to be a survivor. You were so positive; so strong. Wish I could have been there to hold your hand. Will treasure the memories we've made together. Israel would not have been the same without you. Even though you were struggling with life threatening decisions that were so recently and suddenly thrust upon you, you still remained a mother figure, a positive force and tower of strength for everyone else. In my book, girl, you are a one in a million. This one has knocked the wind out of me, bowled me over and left me in a daze. Remembering a stalwart; a colleague; a true friend; a life changer and a nation shaker - Suzanne Murphy. The world was a better place because you were in it. Your legacy lives on in the lives of your past and present students and the many other lives you've touched. A teacher’s influence is forever as you never know where it ends. You were teacher extraordinaire and I am glad you were recognized for it in so many ways before your passing. The song selected in your honor says it best, girl you did it your way. Gone way too soon but you will in no way ever be forgotten. Walk good my friend. It was a pleasure knowing you and though our time together was brief, i was blessed to have known you.