Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em recurring catchphrases include references to "a bit of trouble", which usually implies some sort of undisclosed digestive disorder, and to the cat having "done a whoopsie" (presumably a euphemism for having defecated in an inappropriate place, on one occasion in Spencer's beret). If Frank is pleased (or confused) about something, he will often use the catchphrase "Mmmm — nice!" or "Ohhh — nice!" Despite his unfailing ability to infuriate people, Frank is essentially a very sympathetic character, who inspires much affection from his ever-loving and patient wife, Betty. He also venerates the memory of his late mother, Jessica, and worships
Betty S. Murphy and later co-chaired the Republican National Lawyers Association. As of 2006, she was the first and only lawyer elected to the prestigious National Academy of Human Resources. She was chair of several American Bar Association committees, and named a "Legend of the Law" by the D.C. Bar Association. A resident of Alexandria, Virginia, Murphy died at the age of 77 of pneumonia on October 16, 2010, in Washington, D.C. She was survived by her husband, Cornelius F. Murphy, M.D., as well as by a daughter, a son, and a grandson. Betty S. Murphy Betty Jane Southard Murphy (March 1, 1933