It is with great sadness that the family of Elsie M. Murphy announces her passing on March 7, 2026 after a brief illness. She was 91.

   Elsie was born in Stockton and grew up in Manteca where she lived most of her life. She attended French Camp Elementary School, graduated from Manteca High School and then went on to Stockton College. She retired from San Joaquin County’s Human Services Agency as an Audit Supervisor. After retirement she continued running the family business; volunteered in the gift shop at Doctor’s Hospital of Manteca and worked at the Manteca Senior Center’s front desk offering smiles to those who needed help.

   Elsie’s love of games, especially cards, backgammon and Rummikub was shared with family and friends throughout the years. She developed her intense competitive nature playing cards with her father. Elsie especially loved pinochle where she played every Monday with her good friends until very recently. In her early years she had a passion for bowling, enjoyed knitting and needlepoint and loved dancing to Elvis.

   Elsie supported her Portuguese heritage by belonging to P.F.S.A. for over 50 years and served as secretary for over 40 years. She was a life long member of the M.R.P.S Social Hall where she served as Big Queen in her youth and could not wait to enjoy the traditional sopas each year.

   Preceding her in death was her Beloved husband Edmund (Murph) Murphy, her brother Manuel Simas and wife Virginia. She is Survived by her brother Richard Simas and wife Bonnie, children; Sheree Piccinini and husband Richard, Donna Burlingame and husband Larry, Cynthia Stiles and husband Douglas, Phillip Maxwell and wife Kristine.  Grandchildren, Bryan Burlingame, Leann Hoskins, Kathleen McWilliams, Jeff Piccinini, Michael Stiles, Kristen Edeliant, Vicki Stiles James, Alicia Piccinini, Jessica Anderson and Aaron Maxwell. She also has nineteen great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

   Elsie was extremely devoted to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be sorely missed.

   P.L. Fry & Son Funeral is honored to serve the Murphy family. A Viewing will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 11a.m., followed by a Prayer Service beginning at 11a.m. Burial will follow at Park View Cemetery. An online guestbook is available for condolences at www.plfryandson.com

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Friday, March 20, 2026