Mariko S. Murphy

Mariko S. (Shimada) Murphy passed away on Monday, October 11, 2021, at the age of 89. Mariko, daughter of Yukichi Shimada and Hisae (nee Orita) Shimada, was born on December 14, 1931, in Kyoto, Japan. Mariko completed high school in Osaka, Japan, and learned to speak English as part of her education. Mariko met Mark C. Murphy, Jr., and they married in 1966. In 1972 they relocated to the family farm, Murphy Lakes, outside of Higbee, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her late husband in June, 1977, father Yukichi, mother Hisae and sister Junko Shimada. Her surviving siblings are Sachiko, Ikuko and Hiroshi. Mariko, also known as Mari to her friends, ran Murphy Lakes for many years, making numerous friends she considered family. Mariko enjoyed gardening, making friends, visiting family in Japan, playing cards and following current events. Grave-side memorial services, at Higbee Cemetery, in her honor on November 15, 2021, 1 PM. A Celebration of Life, immediately following at Cooper Oaks Winery, Higbee, MO. Donations may be sent to the Higbee Cemetery or Higbee Senior Center. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mariko S. Murphy please visit our Sympathy Store.