CUMBERLAND – Vickie Lee (Seltzer) Murphy, 77, of Cumberland, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at home.

Born December 8, 1946, in Cumberland, Vickie was a daughter of the late Betty and Charles Seltzer. She was also preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Charlotte Blake; brothers-in-law, John Blake and Jerry Nines; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Vickie loved animals since she first started bringing home stray cats as a little girl and putting them in dresses. She had many cats and dogs over the years that held a special place in her heart.

Vickie was a graduate of Fort Hill High School, Class of 1964. She specialized in commercial studies and began working for Aster Cab Company for a rate of 75 cents an hour. Soon after she went to work at Metropolitan Life Insurance until she joined her husband in Texas while he awaited deployment to Vietnam. While he was deployed she returned to Cumberland and worked at the First National Bank. She spent many years after that as a homemaker raising her two daughters and eventually went back to work for the State of Maryland as a fiscal clerk.

She retired at the age of 62. Vickie spent her first few years of retirement as a volunteer, along with her husband, serving Meals on Wheels. Later in life, Vickie enjoyed time with her two grandchildren and had one final family vacation to Disney that we will always remember.

Vickie suffered from Alzheimer's for the past decade. Her husband, John, was her primary caregiver and promised her he would make sure she got to pass at home. Her favorite place to eat was McDonald's. Her husband faithfully picked it up for her every day, and most of the workers knew her order by heart. She was always happiest spending time with her family at home and watching her favorite shows while enjoying a cup of tea. She also spent several days a week visiting "overhome" and enjoying a cup of coffee with her favorite aunts and uncles. Towards the end, home hospice provided extra special care to keep her comfortable at home. The family would like to express their gratitude to all the workers from home hospice who took care of Vickie. Mountain View Primary Care was also instrumental in providing care for Vickie over the last several years.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, John Murphy, who served as her full time caregiver during her long battle with Alzheimer's. Also surviving are two daughters, Rachel Murphy and son Kai, and Cathy Crockett along with her spouse, Steven, and son, Archer; a younger brother, Charles (David) Seltzer; and uncle, Jack Peterson. Jack was her mother's brother, and he and his sisters lived next door to her growing up. We commonly referred to their house as "overhome" where she celebrated every holiday, birthday, and special occasion with her extended family. Vickie is also survived by two special sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Mickey and spouse, Sonny, and Louise Nines; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins she cared for deeply.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, on Monday, July 15, 2024 from 5 to 8pm.

A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 16 at noon.

Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.