Maura Murphy, R.S.M.
January 6, 1935 ~ March 12, 2018
Resided in:
Portland, ME
Portland - Sr. Maura Murphy (Mary Elizabeth) died peacefully at Frances Warde Convent on March 12, 2018 after a short illness.
Born in Portland on January 6, 1935, she was the daughter of Emily Baxter Flaherty and Martin Joseph Murphy.
After graduating from Cathedral High School, class of 1953, Sr. Maura entered the Sisters of Mercy at St. Joseph's Convent in Portland from Sacred Heart Parish, Portland. This year marks her 65th jubilee year in religious life. Shortly upon entrance, Sr. Maura obtained her Elementary Education degree from St. Joseph's College, Standish, followed by studies at Boston University and the University of Maine in Gorham where she obtained her M.S. in Ed.
Sr. Maura's teaching career began at St. Joseph's School, Portland and through the years taught at St. Mary's School, Old Town; St. Mary's School, Biddeford; St. Joseph's School, Lewiston; St. Patrick's School, Portland; St. Mary's School, Bangor, ending over 40 years as a teacher and principal at Holy Cross School, South Portland. Sr. Maura also ministered to the daycare children at St. Elizabeth's Child Development Center for a year.
After her retirement as principal she began the ministry of religious education director
at St. James School, Biddeford, a position she held for four years. Since Sr. Maura's specialty was reading in the primary grades she became interim supervisor of elementary education students at St. Joseph's College. Whatever ministry Sr. Maura was called to do, she did so with grace and fidelity.
As a Sister of Mercy, Sr. Maura was ever hospitable, pleasant and interested in those she met.
Upon her retirement from Holy Cross School, she was honored her with this compliment, "Throughout the years thousands of children and their families have been touched by Sister's gentleness and love." She faithfully lived out her religious motto, "Love" that was so evident in her many longtime relationships.
Sr. Maura enjoyed life, whether it was traveling with her family and friends or walking the beach at Pine Point and Peaks Island.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Paul Murphy, Portland, as well as her aunt, Sr. M. Camilla Flaherty RSM.
Sr. Maura is survived by her brother, Timothy Murphy, South Portland; her sister-in-law, Theresa Murphy, South Portland; her cousin, Sr. Janice Murphy RSM; several nieces, nephews, grandnephew and cousins. She is also survived by her dear friend Sr. M. Gemma Connelly RSM and her religious community.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 3 pm - 6pm at Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, South Portland, with a Prayer Service at 6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 am at Holy Cross Church, South Portland. Burial will follow at New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Sisters of Mercy, 966 Riverside Street, Portland, Maine 04103.
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A person of character , compassion, and caring. A woman, a Mercy nun, truly worthy of An Irish Blessing.
Tony Frates
– Robert A. Frates
To sister Maura Murphy family sister in law Theresa and timothy,
I was saddened by the passing if sister. I will always remember her at church holy cross and at ccd and just around. I will miss her a lot. she was a lovely lady. so sorry for her passing love, Kristen Tully
– Kristen Tully
My condolences to the Murphy family. May your hearts find comfort and look forward to the day when Gods promise at john 5:28 will come true for all those we have loved and lost
– Brenda
Sister Maura was my third grade teacher. I remember how kind she was to the students who struggled. She truly had the charism of Mercy. My sympathy to her family and to her religious community.
Claire Deroche
– Claire Deroche
Sister Maura was principal of Holy Cross School when my children entered into the world of grade school. She was this working mother’s gift of comfort.
She was the spirit of joy and love. She created an environment for my children of welcome at school. Sister Maura was merely a phone call way for working parents with concerns.
Years after high school graduation, Sister Maura even now, took time to pause and chat with my children. She called them by name.
Sister Maura was charitable in countless ways. You will be remembered by the children and parents you educated in life.
Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see. Mark Twain.
Kathleen G.
– Kathleen Goldman
I attended Holy Cross School during the time that Sister Maura served as principal. She had such a warm, and gentle presence and it was a privilege to have shared such a formative time under her guidance. I am saddened to hear of her passing and my thoughts are with the Murphy family — she was a beacon of light.
– Libby MacCarthy