Paula Jean (Murphy) Trudell's Obituary
Paula Jean (Murphy) Trudell, 80, of Liverpool, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Francis House after a long illness and right to the very end, she did it her way!
Paula was born on April 29, 1946 in Cortland, NY to the late Earl and Martha (Aber) Murphy. Paula and her husband, Donald “John” Trudell were married on April 20, 1968 and shared 44 years of marriage, before his passing in 2012.
Paula was a graduate of Homer High School and Powelson Business School. She loved working as an administrative assistant at Lockheed Martin and enjoyed the people whose paths she crossed during her 25-plus years there, retiring in 2012. She was a life-long fan of the New York Yankees, as well as ‘Cuse sports. In addition to wonderful family and friends, she especially treasured the bond she shared with all her “girl cousins” and the memories they made. She was an active member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, Mattydale. A woman of great faith, she previously served as a lector, Eucharistic minister and a member of parish council. She faced life’s blessings and challenges alike with strength, independence and grace.
Paula was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Donald (John) Trudell; brother, Col. Robert Murphy; niece, Colleen Murphy; sister-in-law, Brenda (Trudell) Phillips; nephews, David and Kristopher Phillips.
She is survived by her daughters, Natalie Kelly (Jerry Ellis) of Syracuse and Theresa (Douglas) Lewis of DeWitt; grandson, Shane Kelly; great-granddaughter, Arleyah Kelly; brother, Richard (Norma) Murphy of Palm City, FL; brother-in-law, Ray Trudell of Solvay and several nephews and nieces.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. in St. Margaret’s Church, Mattydale. Private burial will take place in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moravia. Family and friends may call on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.), North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paula’s memory to St. Margaret’s Food Pantry, 200 Roxboro Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211; North Area Meals on Wheels, 413 Church St., No. Syracuse, NY 13212 or Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave, Syracuse, NY 13208.
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