M. Joanna Murphy

M. Joanna (Garbrick) Murphy, 92, died Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Stoneridge Town Center Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation facility in Myerstown PA, holding hands with her daughter and son-in-law. ‘Josie’ was born in Potter Township, Center County to the late Lewis H. and Margaret M. (Brown) Garbrick. She was a 1949 graduate of the Centre Hall Potter High School and subsequently the then named Thompson Business School in Harrisburg PA. For the past 36 years, Joanna resided in Quentin PA. As avid auction/sale attendees, Joanna and her husband collected and sold antiques for over 40 years--linens, glass, and furniture. She enjoyed quilting, flower gardening, braiding rugs, camping and travelling, especially with family. She was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ family in Centre Hall.
Joanna, is survived by her daughter Kelly Anne (Murphy) Grotzinger, wife of Timothy L Grotzinger, of Manheim PA, her sister Sara Jane (Garbrick) Pifer of Centre Hall PA, a brother, J Henry Garbrick and his wife Beverly also of Centre Hall PA, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Joanna was preceded in death by her husband Robert P. “Murph” Murphy and a brother Lewis A. “Jack” Garbrick.
Joanna requested that there not be a memorial service as family and friends are scattered widely. Private internment will be in the Quentin Cemetery. Friends and family interested in memorial contributions should consider their local library as Joanna was an avid reader.