Dolores Irene Murphy

Dolores Irene Murphy, cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, at the age of 88. Born in Hillsboro, Oregon on March 29, 1938 to Harold and Zelma Shaper. She was raised on a small dairy in Reedville with her sister Nadine and lived a life full of love, dedication, and creativity.

Dolores was a proud graduate of Beaverton High School, class of 1956, and furthered her education at Burrough Business School. Her career journey began at Pacific Power & Light and spanned several notable companies, including Northwest Fiberglass Company and Birds Eye Cannery. Her most enduring professional chapter was at Tektronix in Beaverton, where she dedicated 28 and a half years of service before retiring in 2002. Even after retirement, Dolores continued to contribute to her community by working in food services at Tuality Hospital for a short time.

On July 12, 1958, Dolores married the love of her life, Lawrence Henry Murphy in Hillsboro, Oregon. Together, their family consisted of two sons, Daniel (Robin), Phillip (Maureen), and stepdaughter Deborah (Andrew). Dolores and Lawrence shared 33 wonderful years of marriage before his passing. Her family was her pride and joy, and she was blessed with nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

A woman of many talents, Dolores had a profound love for classical music. she played the piano, guitar, and taught herself to play the accordion. Her creativity extended to crafts, where she enjoyed ceramics and scrapbooking. Dolores was an avid reader and loved solving jigsaw puzzles, hobbies that kept her mind sharp and her spirit engaged.

Dolores was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Hillsboro, where she found spiritual nourishment and a sense of community. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life.

She is predeceased by her beloved parents, Harold and Zelma Shaper, her sister Nadine Blum, and her dear husband, Lawrence H. Murphy. Her legacy lives on through her surviving family members and all who knew her.

A service to honor and celebrate Dolores's life will be held on September 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Fir Lawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, located at 1070 West Main St., Hillsboro, OR 97123.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society - Breast Cancer Fund, a cause close to Dolores' heart.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at the Forest Grove Beehive and Hawthorne House Assisted Living and Memory Care, along with Caring Hearts Hospice for their unwavering support and care during her final days.

Dolores Irene Murphy leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and creativity. She touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.