Katy Galassini

Katy Murphy Galassini passed away quietly at home April 4, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Helen Kathryn Murphy was born December 13, 1932, in Roswell, NM to Helen Frances and William J. Murphy.   Soon after, her little brother, William J. “Bill” Murphy was added to the family.  Katy attended St. Peter’s Catholic School from first through eighth grade, then attended Roswell High School, graduating in May of 1951.  She worked as soon as she was of age and held that strong work ethic the rest of her life, one of the greatest gifts she imparted to her children.  

Katy attended Eastern New Mexico University in Portales the spring semester of 1952.  On her first day in English class, she noticed a cute and cocky young man sitting behind her.  He winked at her, and it caught her off guard and embarrassed her.  Later in the student union building as she sat with her friends, he and another young man sat down next to them, uninvited, and struck up a conversation.  He said, “do you have a date Friday night?”, and she blushed and said, “well, no”, and he said, “I’ll see what I can do for you.”  She said she got up and stormed out the door, but he chased her while profusely apologizing, saying “no, really I’d like to take you out Friday night”.  Thankfully, she forgave him and went out with him that Friday night, and four months later, on May 17, 1952, Katy married Douglas V. Galassini.

Having more youth than sense, they both thought working full-time was a better path to success and so they embarked on a lifetime of that.  They started the family in 1954 with the birth of Richard D. Galassini, in 1957 with Terry D. Galassini, in 1959 with Bret D. Galassini, and in 1963 with Stacy K. Galassini.  Doug worked for Southwestern Public Service all over the Texas panhandle, until they came back to Roswell in 1970.  

Katy began as a clerk typist GS-2 at the Bureau of Land Management-Roswell, when it was a tiny little office on South Main.  As the office grew, Katy worked hard and moved up the GS ladder every chance she could.   She became a Range technician and got to know every rancher in the vicinity.  The office would send her out the most as she was usually the only one the ranchers liked and looked forward to seeing.  Then she was promoted again as a Land Law Examiner and eventually transferred to the BLM State Office in Santa Fe as a GS-11 in 1984.  They were very happy in Santa Fe and the family had many good times gathering there for the next ten years.  

Katy retired from BLM in 1994 and she and Doug moved back to Roswell to take care of their parents, which they did until their deaths.  Katy and Doug spent the rest of their years enjoying their grandchildren and retired life, including traveling to Egypt to see the pyramids and River Nile.  Katy loved history, especially New Mexico and Roswell history and volunteered many hours at the Southeast Historical Museum.   She could tell you who lived in which house in much of the Downtown Historic District, even point out houses that had moved from one place to another, and where original Main Street businesses had been.  She loved going to the movies as a kid every week and talked about walking by herself with quarter in hand to the Pecos or Yucca Theaters to see any movie that was playing.  We all love the old movies of that time to this day thanks to Mother.

Katy was preceded in death by her father William J. Murphy, her mother, Frances Clem, and her stepfather Lewis W. Clem; her husband Douglas V. Galassini; and her oldest son, Richard D. Galassini.  Katy is survived by her brother, Bill Murphy, and sister-in-law Janne of Roswell; son Terry D. Galassini, and daughter-in-law Lisa of Wimberley, TX; son Bret D. Galassini of Laos; daughter Stacy K. Galassini of Roswell; grandchildren Joseph, Stephanie, Hannah, Davis, Grant, Gary (Ayame), and Lara Galassini; two great grandchildren, Richard Galassini and Zayn Galassini; nieces Christy Murphy and Shannon Murphy Hickock, and nephew Mike Murphy.

The family would like to thank Comfort Keepers of Roswell, especially Laurie, Brianna, Annera, and Aneesa.   Thank you to Enhabit Home Health, especially Kelley, Bailey, Amanda, and Kelly.  And thank you to Enhabit Hospice, especially Tory, Sherry, Yvonne, Kara, and Elvira.  Our mother appreciated all of you and we couldn’t have made it the last few months without you all.  Thank you to Reverend Susan Day Pigott of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for your loving kindness and visits with Katy the last month and support of the family at home.     

Arrangements are under the personal care of LaGrone Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com