Colleen J. Murphy

Brunswick - Colleen J. Murphy, 72, of Brunswick, formerly of Colonie, passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

She was born in Albany and was the daughter of the late Joseph J. and Joan M. Nantista. Colleen was predeceased by her beloved husband John "Bud" Murphy Ill and her sister Maureen Dowen (John).

She had been employed with Friendly Home Parties for over twenty years and with the South Colonie School District for thirteen years. More recently, Colleen assisted her son John at The Snowman Ice Cream. She spent her twenty-five years there known as "Mama Murph". She loved working side by side with her son, grandkids, and staff that she viewed as her own kids. Customers turned into family and she would always be stocked up on her favorite chocolate chip ice cream. She enjoyed caring for her flowers on her balcony, pool time, and baking cookies for her grandchildren. Her greatest joys were cruising, vacationing with her grandkids, and her many trips to Aruba with family.

She was the devoted mother of John H. Murphy IV (Christine) and Christa Flaherty (Kevin). Colleen was the sister of Mary Ann Chiera (Mike), Joanne Nantista, Ellen Nantista (Russ), Joe Nantista (Jeanne), Nita Patane (Al), Tony Nantista (Kim) and sister-in-law to Joan Murphy and Janice Hunter (Tom). She was the cherished grandmother of Samantha and Ellyana Murphy and Zachary, Gavin and Owen Flaherty. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Colleen's family on Tuesday from 4 to 7 pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave. Colonie. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10:00 at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com