Santee's Elaine Murphy Selected as 2012 Woman of the Year for 77th Assembly District

Submitted by the office of Assemblyman Brian Jones

is pleased to announce the selection of Elaine Murphy as the 2012 Woman of the Year for the 77th Assembly District.

“It is with great admiration and gratitude that I am able to honor Elaine, who has selflessly given of her time and efforts for nearly all of her adult life to serve both our country and community.”

Elaine Murphy began her service to America in the US Navy in May of 1945 as a Seaman 2nd Class Photographer’s Mate.  She served the tail end of World War II and left the Navy in August of 1946 and returned at the call of President Truman in 1948 and served 8 additional years, including time in the Korean War.  By the time she was finished, she had graduated to Petty Officer, 1st Class.

A 57-year resident of East County, Elaine has been active in the Santee community for over 22 years.  She has held elected offices with the National Active and Retired Federal Employees and Cowles Ranch Republican Women Federated, now Santee Republican Women Federated.  She has been a member of the and Committee.  She has also worked on behalf of the , Santee School Bond Proposition and the Grossmont Hospital/ER Bond Proposition.

Among her greatest contributions is her re-establishment of the .  After its founder and President Harriett Wade became ill in 2001, the society lay dormant for nearly 6 years, and following Ms. Wade’s death in 2006, Elaine joined with other past members and the Lakeside Historical Society volunteers to sort through years of paperwork and ultimately set up shop in the Historic Polo Barn.  Elaine has been an active member with this group since 1993, and is beginning her third year as President.

“I can think of few other individuals who have served so consistently, and with such devotion to the community as Elaine.  I respect and sincerely appreciate her contributions to making East County a more vibrant place to live,” Jones said.

Held every March during Women’s History Month, 80 women are selected from each legislator’s district, and are honored by the State Assembly, recognizing them for extraordinary acts of community service and outstanding contributions to the State of California.