Kristen M. Murphy

Ware- Kristen M. Murphy, 45, of Ware, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at UMASS Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, where she was surrounded by her loved ones. Sadly, she lost her brief battle due to a rare cancer.
Kristen was a lifelong resident of Ware and a very active member of the community. She was one of the creators for the Hope Walks Here #StopSuicide Walk, created in memory of her son. She was part of the Board of Directors for the Ware Youth Football Program running the concession stand, and she enjoyed her time at Bogey Lanes in East Brookfield. She also dedicated time to the Scouting program in Ware.
She could be recognized by many people from the places she worked. She was the manager of the Ware Junior/Senior High School cafeteria for over 10 years. She also worked at some nearby restaurants such as Hardwick Crossing, the former Country Kitchen, and the former Astronauts. And if you did not know her from work or her community involvement, then perhaps you saw her in her Jeep driving with her doors off, top down, and bright teal customized parts, riding all over town. Kristen loved being an active resident but was also very family oriented. She enjoyed playing board games and card games with her kids, going camping, kayaking, dancing, sitting by campfires, candlepin bowling and going on family beach trips, usually to Hampton Beach. Working with kids was a huge part of her life.
Kristen is survived by her husband of 13 years, Lonny A. Murphy and their children, Thomas A. Murphy and his wife Emily of Ludlow, Sean P. Murphy and his partner Jade, Ryan P. Donnelly, and Regan A. Murphy. She is also remembered by her father Arthur V. Castonguay and his wife Verna, her mother Marlene J. Russell and her husband Paul, her brother PJ Russell and his wife Crystal of Ware, and her sisters Carrie Castonguay of Florida, Kymberly Russell and her partner Taylor of Palmer, and Ann Waz, as well as her two grandchildren, Jeremiah and Liam, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Kristen was predeceased by her son Ethan Donnelly.
The family wants to send our sincere gratitude to the staff and doctors at the UMASS memorial for all the care they provided.
Calling Hours for Kristen will be held on Friday March 14, 2025, from 4 to 7pm in the Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant Street, in Ware.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Kristen’s name to the Suicide Prevention Walk – Hope Walks Here Out of the Darkness Walks.
An online tribute page is available at charbonneaufh.com