Joan G. (Leigh) Murphy, 87, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2020, at Highpointe Hospice House in Haverhill, MA. She was the beloved wife of John F. Murphy, having just celebrated 50 years of marriage; they resided in Dracut, MA. Born in Lowell on February 21, 1933, she was the youngest daughter of Alfred and Olive Leigh who had 6 daughters and 3 sons. She was educated in Lowell and during her early adult years, resided there. Joan’s entire career was devoted to medical service for the young, the ill, and aged as a nurse’s aide, beginning her career in the delivery room at Lowell General Hospital. After a move to Needham, she worked as an aide on the medical surgical floor at Newton Wellesley Hospital. Several years later, following another move to Bedford, she worked in Arlington at Symmes Hospital as an aide, until a back injury necessitated a change in occupation. Her remaining years at Symmes were spent as the evening Emergency Room Coordinator where her calming manner and organizational skills served all patients well. There was much more to Joan than just being a wife, a career woman and a mother. Her interests and great loves included the arts - films, musicals, dancing, playing the piano (mostly by ear), entertaining and, of course, her family. Her favorite holidays were Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter when the family would gather in her home - four generations of enough love for everyone. She never forgot a special event and every grandchild could expect a birthday card from Grammy with a ‘little something’ inside. She was generous, kind and loving - and wanted to know “everything” that was happening in her families’ lives. In her leisure hours Joan loved knitting, reading and baking and kept traditions for decades. Her Christmas cookies were unbeatable - often they were more precious than gifts. She will be missed immeasurably by those who love her. Joan is survived by her husband John, daughter Cynthia Curcio (Michael), son Richard Harbour (Pamela), grandchildren Thomas Curcio, Richard Harbour, Robert Harbour (Keri) and Casey Harbour Martin (Jonathan); and great grandchildren Leigh Curcio, Nicholas Curcio, Melanie Harbour, Riley Jo Harbour, Hannah Martin and Sawyer Martin. Joan was predeceased by former husband, Richard Harbour, her 5 Sisters, Dot, Milly, Lillian, Gloria and Norma; and 2 brothers, Alfred (Sonny) Leigh and Curtis Leigh. Visiting Hours will be held on Tuesday, November 17th from 4-7pm at the Dracut Funeral Home, 2159 Lakeview Ave., DRACUT. Masks are kindly required and social distancing guidelines will be in place. A Private Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 18th. Interment at Oakland Cemetery in Dracut.