Helen Marie Murphy

To view the livestream of the services for Helen Murphy, please click on the tribute wall above then select watch now.

Helen Murphy, 97, of West Des Moines (formerly of Cedar Rapids) passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 in West Des Moines.

Helen was born on March 28, 1926 to Leonard and Doris (Beeson) Coe in Guthrie Center, Iowa. She was a graduate from Guthrie Center High School. Following high school, she worked as an administrative assistant at many places such as Bankers life and LeFebure. Helen was a hard working mother who worked at night at the Red Cross while raising her children. She was a member at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids for many years.

Helen enjoyed being outdoors and enjoying what nature had to offer. When her children were younger, she liked to take them fishing and on trips. She liked to work in her garden and flower beds. She was a sports fan, but she always rooted for the underdog to win. Helen was always willing to help others and enjoyed being involved in other people’s lives.

Helen is survived by her children, Tonia Nesbit, Frank (Linda) Spagnolo, Linda (Ron) Zern, Jeannette “Jen” (Phil) Spagnolo-Forslund; daughter-in-law, Marcia Spagnolo; sister, Ruby Bowers; 11 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and many extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louis Spagnolo; son, Curt Spagnolo; and sisters, Olivene Petersen, Laura Nickol, and Edna Coe.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home with a visitation taking place one hour prior beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the Wichita Cemetery (Seeley Township Cemetery) near Guthrie Center. Memorial contributions may be directed to UnityPoint Hospice for the wonderful care they provided Helen over the last year. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.