If you are having trouble viewing the images or text of this email, click here to view it in your web browser.

Stepping Stones - Historic Home of Bill & Lois Wilson

In Loving Memory of Debbie D. Murphy (1933-2025)

An Extraordinary Life of Music, Love, & Recovery

Debbie overcame personal adversity and lived by taking life “one day at a time." In June 2020, when gathering in person was not possible due to the Covid Pandemic, Debbie shared her story during the first-ever virtual "Stepping Stones Annual Lois' Family Groups Picnic." The event had 5,000 registrants from 35 countries. After the event, Debbie wrote, "I always feel that if someone hears only one word that is helpful...It is a blessing...It felt so good to be a part of Stepping Stones again. I could feel the presence of Bill and Lois...Ebby...Nell Wing...Marty..and so many I knew there. I felt at home."

Resilience and positivity are hallmarks of her story. At seventeen, she left a difficult home to find a better life in Boston. She convinced a corporation to take a chance on her. Not only did they hire her, but they found housing for her too. That corporation's staff talent show started her journey to eventually become a full-time singer. In the 1950s and 1960s, she graced stages and captivated audiences touring with famous musicians and “big bands” such as Pee Wee Hunt and his orchestra. Debbie also had a ten-year engagement at Manhattan's storied Pierre Hotel.

She faced trials and tribulations due to alcoholism, and on March 8, 1961, had the inspired thought to call Alcoholics Anonymous. A female member took her to her first meeting where a man told Debbie that she "did not belong" and was "too young" to be there. The woman who escorted her to the meeting intervened and told the man, "She is staying!" That is exactly what Debbie did from that day forward.

Early sobriety was not easy for Debbie, but she maintained a good outlook. She spent a year in a N.Y. hospital being treated for Tuberculosis (TB). The doctors believed a glass of red wine a day would help the TB patients. Each day it was given to Debbie, but she never drank it. As she was still physically challenged due to TB, her next move was orchestrated by A.A. friends. They took her to High Watch Farm in Connecticut to recuperate. Ebby Thacher, who had carried the message of recovery to Bill Wilson, was in High Watch having relapsed. The community phone rang. A garbled announcement came over the loudspeakers. "Phone call for ...bby. Phone call for ...bby." Debbie reached for the phone. Ebby reached for Debbie's wrist and said, "That call is for me." Debbie responded, "I beg your pardon. This is my call." The two had a good laugh and struck up a lasting friendship. In a letter to Debbie from Ebby, he wrote "Debbie, you are a nice gal, and I sure hope you get and make the breaks to put you up in the top brackets of your calling."

In New York City Debbie met her first love, Walter Murphy (1926–2000). They married in 1965 and built a life filled with love, family, and purpose. They moved out of the city with their son Jim to Tomkins Cove, N.Y. and later to Rye, N.Y. Both homes were less than an hour from Stepping Stones, where they visited with the Wilsons and participated in social gatherings and meetings about various projects.

In 1962, they founded Murphy Associates. Their successful public relations firm had a wide array of prominent corporate and celebrity clients whose photos covered the firm's office walls, which captured the attention of visitors. However, their greatest impact came through their communications efforts to share the message that alcoholism recovery was possible. A doctor had referred Walter to A.A. The first two members he got to know were Marty Mann and Bill Wilson, who were eager to hear Walter's strategic input on how to better inform the media and public about what A.A. offers. Walter came to serve as an A.A. General Service Board Trustee and from 1973 to 1977 was Chair of the A.A. World Services Board of Directors.

Debbie was vivacious and fun. She lived life to the fullest. Walter once wrote to Stepping Stones, "Sifting through the files...Sharing old memories...Former big-band singers, Debbie and Terry got together with a fellow named Tom and formed an 'AA Singing Trio'. Because their names were Debbie, Terry, and Tom...They called themselves 'THE D.T.S.'...and sang all over NYC and at the AA Conventions and all kinds of meetings dealing with alcoholism." 

The Murphy's professional services were tapped when A.A. insisted on compensating Murphy Associates for their specialized expertise to handle media outreach for four A.A. International Conventions.    (In memoriam continues below)

Debbie once wrote, "Both Walter and I consider A.A. the treasure of our lives." Debbie was featured in an edition of A.A.'s "The Women Alcoholic" pamphlet. At the 40th A.A. International Convention in Denver in 1975, Debbie shared her musical talent. The convention theme was "Let it Begin with Me," so she chose to sing "Let there be Peace on Earth," which contained the theme in its lyrics. Debbie insisted that the words be printed on the program so that everyone in the packed stadium could sing along with her. 

In 1960, under the tutelage of National Council on Alcoholism (NCA) Founder Marty Mann, Walter assumed the role of Public Information Director of NCA and in the 1980s became its Executive Director. Marty would come to call the Murphys "family." Walter and Debbie worked tirelessly to inform the public, medical field, and government about alcoholism as a treatable medical condition. Debbie took the reins of the NCA speakers bureau organizing and giving hundreds of presentations to parents, educators, and community leaders. To be of maximum help in these endeavors, Debbie attended the Rutgers School of Alcoholism Studies. Together, Debbie and Walter dedicated their lives to helping others find hope and healing.

"Debbie and her husband Walter were unrelenting in their passionate efforts to educate the public about alcoholism as a family disease," said Robert J. Lindsey, Retired President/CEO, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD; formerly NCA). "Individually and together, through the National Council on Alcoholism at the National and local level, they led early efforts to break down the stigma that surrounds alcoholism. As a result, they created opportunities for thousands of individuals and families to find recovery."

Debbie and Walter moved to Vero Beach, FL. After Walter’s passing in 2000, Debbie continued to share her love and light with the world. She found joy in performing. Together with companion and world-renowned musician Billy Mure (1915-2013), Debbie performed as part of “The Top Hats." After Billy passed, Debbie continued to sing and play piano and keyboard. She was a staple in the local music scene at establishments like C.J. Cannon's and also delighted her fellow seniors at assisted living facilities.

"Debbie was a cheerleader for Stepping Stones' work," said Sally Corbett-Turco, Stepping Stones Executive Director. "She especially encouraged us when we presented history programs spotlighting the work of the Wilsons, including some projects that she was personally involved with. Debbie was a fan of our virtual events, including presentations related to Ebby Thacher, Bill Borchert, and female recovery pioneers."

Vero Beach friends held a celebration of Debbie's life on March 8, 2025, which would have been her 64th A.A. anniversary. Material from Debbie's archive was displayed. Mrs. Corbett-Turco represented Stepping Stones among the celebration's presenters. Private ceremonies with immediate family members will be held in New York City and Rye, N.Y. 

Debbie is survived by her son Jim, daughter-in-law Robin, and grandchildren Tripp and Lane, who were the pride and joy of her life. She was a cherished friend and mentor to many, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place. Debbie's efforts touched countless lives, including those of celebrities, politicians, and everyday individuals seeking a second chance. Throughout her sobriety, Debbie had faith that "God was looking out for her" and "conducting this show."  

A fitting conclusion to this remembrance is to be inspired by how fully Debbie loved and the words she used to conclude her emails, which were: 

"MAY YOUR LIFE BE FULL OF LOVE"

The Murphy family encourages those who wish to remember Debbie through a memorial gift, to consider supporting the Stepping Stones Archive where her treasured archival collection has been placed.

"Debbie & Walter Murphy Collection" Joins Stepping Stones Archive

Hear Debbie's Recovery Story

An audio recording of Debbie Murphy's June 2020 talk during the virtual Stepping Stones Picnic will be made available in our Online Archive Portal. To register for free to explore the Online Archive Portal, go to archive.steppingstones.org

Serve & Support

Let Debbie's example of service be an inspiration! You are invited to join dozens of friends worldwide as a virtual volunteer from your home computer. Help Stepping Stones prepare material for the Portal. No experience is necessary and training is provided. To learn more, sign up on our volunteer form by clicking here or going to https://www.steppingstones.org/support/volunteer/ 

To help fund Stepping Stones Archive, including online access, staffing, and preservation, click here or go to https://www.steppingstones.org/support/donate-now/

Per the Murphy family, it was Debbie's wish that her anonymity no longer be maintained after her passing. 

Lois Wilson cofounded the Stepping Stones Foundation in 1979.  It is a standalone nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization with Federal I.D. number 13-3031164 and is not affiliated with any 12-Step fellowship.

The Stepping Stones Foundation Mission is to foster public understanding of alcoholism and inspire recovery by sharing and preserving the historic home, archive, and legacy of Alcoholics Anonymous cofounder Bill Wilson and Al-Anon Family Groups cofounder Lois Wilson. The mission is accomplished with the help and support of friends and volunteers. The Foundation offers in-person events and tours, virtual programs, and off-site events and presentations. 

All content of this email is copyright 2025 Stepping Stones Foundation. Permission is required for any use of material and text in this email. Contact archive@steppingstones.org to request use of material in this archive.

The names Stepping Stones - Historic Home of Bill & Lois Wilson and the Stepping Stones Foundation are registered trademarks.

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser