Nancy J Murphy of Elkton, MD passed away peacefully on 11/7/17, just 9 days after her 86th birthday. She was born on 10/29/1931 in Port Huron, MI to the late Emmett J Conte and Edna V (Barrett) Conte. Her only sibling, Emmett J Conte Jr, passed away 9/6/17. She was full of life and had a great sense of humor. She enjoyed her cordials and lively conversation as well. In her younger days, she loved playing sports: softball, tennis and even won a trophy rally driving. She always stood up for what was right and was a staunch supporter of the “Right to Life” movement. She marched for the cause in Rochester, NY and Washington, DC. She was an incredible writer where both her wit and sharp mind were always evident. In the 70’s, she wrote a column titled “Life Liberty and Law” for a Catholic paper. She was recognized by the Vatican who sent her a personal letter from John Cardinal Wright. Everyone knew Nancy for her artwork which consisted of paintings, pottery, cartoons, jewelry, poetry and her famous Santas. She sold her first painting at the age of six. Years later, in 1949, she received a four year art scholarship from the University of Delaware. She then moved to Chicago, IL and Manhattan, NY, where she was a successful commercial Artist. She married in 1962, devoted herself to her two daughters by always being there for their school field trips, baked homemade bread, made 3 layer cakes for their birthdays, and made the most memorable Christmases. She went on to have a studio and gallery in Clayton, NY for 9 years. In 2011, she moved to Elkton, MD and established her current studio and gallery pursuing her real interest of the fine arts until her untimely death. Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Thomas H Murphy of Elkton, MD and her two daughters; Jane K. Murphy, Wilmington, NC; Marcella V Murphy of Middletown, DE; two grandchildren: Karyleigh and Brayden Troeber. Due to the love she had for all her puppy dogs, please send a donation to Cecil County Animal Services in lieu of flowers.