Joan (Machado) Murphy

Joan Rose (Machado) Murphy, 82, of Dighton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026 surrounded by her loving family after courageously battling a year-long illness. Born and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts, Joan grew up on June Street in the heart of the city with her father, Joseph Machado; her mother, Anna (Ranieri) Machado; and sister, Elaine (Machado) Capeto, all of whom predeceased her. As a young woman, she studied ballet and developed a lifelong love of the arts, particularly drawing and painting - a passion that would shape much of her later life. Joan graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and later attended Rhode Island College, where she earned a degree in Secondary Education. She began her career as an educator, teaching English and French in the Swansea Public Schools. After marrying the love of her life, James Murphy Jr., Joan chose to dedicate herself to raising their family as a loving stay-at-home mother. During this time, Joan began honing her artistic skills, experimenting with oils and watercolors. Her creativity knew no bounds, hand-painting everything in her path - purses, belts and keychains. This was the beginning of her first business venture, Green Apple Originals, where she was able to share her artistic talents with others. Joan eventually focused more heavily on canvas, becoming an accomplished, multi award-winning painter with the Rhode Island Watercolor Society, New England Watercolor Society, Cape Cod Watercolor Society, and Providence Art Club. Joan found joy in expressing the beauty she saw in the world through her landscapes, still-lifes and portraits. Her creativity, imagination, and eye for beauty inspired all who knew her. Above all else, Joan cherished her family. Together with Jim, they built a life rooted in faith, love and unwavering devotion to one another. Through their nearly 57 years of marriage, Jim was her steadfast partner and greatest supporter, always encouraging her artistic pursuits and sharing in the joys and challenges of raising their three daughters, and later cherishing their grandchildren. Joan leaves behind a legacy of warmth, generosity, creativity, and grace that will live on in the hearts of those she loved. She is lovingly survived by her husband, James Murphy; three daughters: Kara Pavao of Dighton, Katherine Murphy of Dighton, and Jennifer Carter of Hopkinton; her niece Andrea Slowik of Swansea; and by her treasured grandchildren, Nicholas Pavao, Matthew Pavao, Addison Carter, and Ella Carter. Joan's gentle spirit, artistic gifts, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. And with her deep devotion to her Catholic faith, Joan’s family finds solace in the knowledge she has now joined her predeceased loved ones in the comfort of the Lord. Funeral from the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home 70 Washington Street in Taunton on Saturday August 8th at 8:45 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St Nicholas of Myra Church in No Dighton at 10 AM. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a visitation on Friday, August 7, 2026 from 5-7PM. Interment St Joseph Cemetery in Taunton.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan (Machado) Murphy, please visit our floral store.