ARLYS MURPHY

ARLYS L. MURPHY (maiden, ERICKSON), a beloved pianist, singer and organist, downtown Chicago hotel manager (residents in the area nicknamed her the ‘Queen of Ohio Street’), and lifelong humanist, peacefully passed away on January 26, 2025, the day of her 87th birthday, in Corsicana, Texas. Born on January 26, 1938, in Hettinger, North Dakota, Arlys' life was defined by her unwavering passion for music, literature, and the arts.

Arlys was born to Lawrence and Agnes (Heier) Erickson, wheat farmers, Hereford and Angus cattle raisers in the plains of the Dakotas. In 1949, the family moved to Spearfish, SD where she graduated High School. Arlys’ mother, Agnes, a talented musician herself and incredible cook, instilled the love of the arts and fine food. This created the love of theatre, movies, fashion and ideas of moving to a big city. She fell in love with Joseph Briskin and had three children, Evy, Loren and Rochelle. They moved to Florida where Arlys honed in on her sewing skills to clothe her children and decorate their home. Arlys and Joe did divorce, but did so amicably where neither ever spoke a bad word about each other. Arlys always said Joe was a wonderful father and kind man. Arlys later married jazz musician, Nipper Murphy. They moved to Chicago, where Tristine was born. Here she became friends with two brothers (Max and Lou Dolins) who owned several gold coast hotels. She managed those hotels for years. The last one was the Ohio East Hotel on Ohio Street, which closed in 2001. Nipper passed in 1987, which formed an inseparable bond between Arlys and daughter, Tristine. Tristine married George Slayton in 2005 in Texas. From there Tristine brought her mother to live with her new family. Arlys attended Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, where she pursued her education in music pedagogy, allowing her to share her love of the piano by teaching others. Throughout her musical career, she shared her extraordinary talents as a pianist and organist, performing in numerous churches and recitals across the United States. Her music filled homes with warmth and joy, leaving a lasting imprint in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to hear her play and sing.

Her life was characterized by a profound sense of adventure. She adored meeting new people, exploring jazz clubs; attending operas, plays and ballets; perusing libraries and discussing politics. If any lively conversation included a cup of good, strong coffee or a sip of fine cognac – you would forever be friends. Friends and family often found solace and entertainment in her music, her intellect and witty nature. Arlys was not only a masterful musician but also a well-read individual who loved literature, always up to debate politics, yet constantly championing the arts and spreading her love for them to those around her.

Beyond her musical pursuits, Arlys also studied English tailoring. She sewed most of her own and children’s clothes. She was an incredible window treatment designer and creator – a craft she mastered while working in the sewing rooms at Disney World in Orlando. One of her proudest accomplishments was replicating a stunning Valentino couture dress for her daughter's prom, an act that spoke volumes of her dedication and creativity as a mother. Her heart knew no bounds, always seeking to nurture and uplift those she loved.

Arlys embodied kindness and intelligence. She was a voracious reader and a lover of all things music, art, films and stage weaving these passions into the very fabric of her life.

As we remember Arlys Murphy, we celebrate a vibrant life characterized by talent, love, adventure, and unwavering dedication to her craft and family. Her legacy will continue to resonate with those who had the privilege to cross paths with her; she was truly a remarkable woman whose spirit will forever remain bright in our hearts. We give homage to those her who preceded Arlys in death and find solace she has reunited with those she loved in her life. Her adoring parents Lawrence and Agnes (Heier) Erickson; first husband, Joseph Briskin; second husband Nipper Murphy (aka Richards D. Murphy); son, Loren T. Briskin, grandson Danny Snow. To those left behind on earth who will hold on to their memories until their own passing are her sister Florence Heacock (Erickson); brother Douglas (Cathy) Erickson; daughters Evy Snow (Briskin), Rochelle Accadia (Briskin), Tristine Slayton (Murphy); grandsons Dustin Briskin, Alex Snow, Iver Slayton; great grand-children Kaleb Smith, Kash Briskin, and Tripp Briskin; niece Veronica (Andy) Fuhs (Heacock); cousin, Patsy Kochel (Heier); daughter in law Vanell Street; son in laws Michael Accadia, George Slayton, and Brad Snow. She also leaves behind her grand-nieces and nephew, great grand-nieces and nephews and extended cousins. Arlys wished to be cremated and did not want a memorial. Part of her remains will be buried with her parents in Spearfish, SD, while the rest will remain with her daughter, Tristine, in Rice, TX to be buried in their personal family plot. Until we all meet again. Let’s all hope Arlys has a big platter of lefse and Swedish meatballs to welcome us to heaven. She made the best lefse, Swedish meatballs and potato salad. Vi elsker deg. Hvil i fred. Din minne lever i oss enn. (We love you. Rest in peace. Your memory lives in us.)