Marcia Gail Murphy Lortscher

Marcia Gail Murphy Lortscher, 65 of Denver died Friday, June 20, 2008. Preceded in death by her parents David R. Murphy and Dorothy A. Nelson, she is survived by her loving husband of 38 years Dr. Randall H. Lortscher, brothers David E. Murphy (Margarita Pirogova), Steven R. Murphy and sister Karen C. Murphy (Charles Tebbutt), Dr. Loren C. Lortscher brother in Law, Marcia L. Ragonetti, sister in Law, nephews Peter Thomas Ragonetti, Mikael Gustavo Tebbutt Murphy, Alexander ""Sasha"" Pirogov Murphy and over 150 surrogate and God children and grandchildren. Marcia was born October 1, 1942 in Denver, CO. She attended parochial and public schools graduating from East High School in 1960. After receiving an AA in interior design from Pine Manor Junior College, she graduated from the University of Colorado with a BFA in 1964. She worked as a design coordinator in NYC and in Denver as Manager of Marketing Research for Frontier Airlines. Shortly after her marriage in 1970, she began experiencing complications from her diabetes which had been diagnosed at the age of 10. In 1972, Marcia was given the gift of life – a kidney transplant and was the oldest living diabetic kidney transplant recipient in the world. Gradually losing her eyesight, she was blind for over 25 years, and had survived breast and colon cancer. Because of the ravages of diabetes on her heart, Marcia chose and had successful open heart surgery in March of this year. Always a fighter, never retreating, she lived for each day as she felt God had a purpose in her trials to show others that giving up was never an option. Marcia loved her family and children deeply. Friends were important as she connected with people world wide that she may have met for only a few moments. She had over 1000 names in her address book. A leader in the community, Marcia was active in the Anchor School for Blind Children, Marcia Murphy Lortscher Vacation Kidney Center located at the YMCA of the Rockies, Delta Gamma Sorority, Junior League of Denver, and Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. She received numerous civics awards, was highlighted in many newspaper articles and was in the process of writing a book to inspire others with disabling illnesses to never give up. Her inspiration will remain forever in the hearts of the hundreds and hundreds of people who cherished and loved her. Memorial Mass 10 A.M. Wednesday, June 25th 2008 at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 2626 E. 7th Ave. Denver. No flowers please. Donations may be made to The Anchor Center for Blind Children at 2550 Roslyn Street, Denver, CO 80238.