Jo-Ann Murphy Andres

Jo-Ann Murphy Andres, 75, of York, ME, passed away suddenly, by accident, due spinal injuries sustained from a tragic fall on November 17, 2023 at 7:15pm. Born in Lynn, MA on May 10, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Charlotte (Burke) Murphy. She shared 10 beautiful years of loving marriage with her beloved late husband, William Andres until he passed away in 2019. 

Jo-Ann was raised in Lynn, MA by her parents Leo and Charlotte. She went to Lynn Public Elementary school. She graduated from St. Mary's high school in 1966. She attended Salem State College for her undergraduate degree. After college she briefly worked as a dental assistant before moving to Portsmouth, New Hampshire to start a family, build an amazing network of personal and professional relationships and eventually meet her lifelong forever friends. 

As a New Hampshire resident she attended and earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of New Hampshire. After she earned her graduate degree she became gainfully employed in her field with several organizations during her career span. Most notably, Headstart Community Action, Catholic Charities, Pickering junior high school, and was part of the teachers union.

Jo-Ann was one of a kind. She cared very much for her community and was an active volunteer at the Strawberry Banke Museum and Common Table at St. John's Church of Portsmouth, NH. In her spare time, she loved to spend time with her children and her close circle of friends.  She had such a joy for life and shared it with everyone she met. She often attended local events and concerts in downtown Portsmouth with her friends. She enjoyed the Portsmouth Music Hall and having fun dinners and gatherings at friend's houses in the local area. She also loved animals and had rescued many shelter animals over her lifetime. 

Jo-Ann is survived by her son, Jarrod Benson of Kittery, ME; her daughter, Kylie De Lauren of Salem, NH; her brother, Peter Murphy and his wife Lisa of Lynn, MA; several nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Please join us for Jo-Ann's memorial service and celebration of her beautiful life that positively impacted so many. It will be held at Saint John's Church of Portsmouth, NH on Saturday January 20th at 11AM with reception to follow. 

Flowers for her service can be sent to Saint John's Church of Portsmouth, NH or donations in Jo-Ann’s memory can be made to:

Catholic Charities of New Hampshire. 

Website CC-NH.ORG 

Pope Memorial Humane Society 

221 County Farm Road, 

Dover, NH 03820 (603) 749-5322

info@popememorialcvhs.org

EIN: 22-2561784