Janet Murphy

Janet’s Celebration of Life will be livestreamed below at 10 AM, Thursday December 7, 2023

Janet Marie Murphy passed peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday November 30, 2023. Born in Grafton in August of 1947 to Jim and Winnifred Murphy, Janet spent her early childhood in California, Montana, and North Dakota before setting in Granville, ND. She graduated from Granville High School in 1966 and continued long term friendships with her close-knit group of classmates. After graduating high school, Janet moved to Minot to attend Minot State University where she earned her teaching degree, married Airforce serviceman, Robert Hearn, and eventually gave birth to her only child, Carly, in 1977. Janet served as an elementary teacher for Carpio Public School for 25 years, and when it closed its doors, she earned her Library Degree and served as the Librarian for Belle and South Prairie Public Schools. Eventually she accepted the Director Position for the Ward County Library where she served the Minot and surrounding communities for several years before retiring early to move to Fargo to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter. In Fargo, Janet served as a librarian for the Fargo and West Fargo Public libraries and Director of the Friends of the Fargo Public Library Bookstore.

Janet was known for her service to community, advocating for literacy and dedicating her life to education. She was awarded several accolades for her work, including Adult Literacy Volunteer of the Year. In her spare time, she loved to read, garden, travel, play musical instruments, and go bird watching. She belonged to several book and garden clubs over her lifetime and learned to play several instruments. She especially loved playing the accordion and her time performing with the Sons of Norway. More than anything, she loved time with her daughter and granddaughter and being surrounded by her brothers and sisters who always kept her laughing. She was most revered for her empathy, compassion, and unconditional love towards those who knew her.

Janet is survived in death by her daughter, Carly Hearn, granddaughter, McCartney Jundt, sisters Marilyn Murphy and Karla Murphy, brothers Bill Murphy and Dan Murphy, nieces Jennifer Murphy and Meegan Murphy, and nephew Andrew (Kayla) Murphy as well as great nieces and nephews, extended family and many friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Jim and Winnifred Pennfield, sister, Nancy Murphy and brother, Steve Murphy. Celebration of life services will be held at Boulger Funeral Home on Thursday December 7, 2023 at 10:00am with a visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Homeward Animal Shelter or Friends of the Fargo Public Library, two of her greatest passions.