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NORA MURPHY Obituary

Murphy, Nora Sharkey

Nora Sharkey Murphy of Bronxville/Eastchester died on April 9, 2012, at the age of 71. The educator, writer and radio host was born to Peter and Cornelia Sharkey in the Bronx on July 21, 1940. A graduate of Fordham University School of Education, she held a master's degree in English from Manhattan College. She moved to Eastchester in 1966, when she was a teacher at Maria Regina High School, Hartsdale. She married Michael G. Murphy on June 18, 1972, in the Fordham University Church on the Rose Hill Campus. He predeceased her in 2003. They had one son, Michael Timothy, now a resident of Covington, Washington. Mrs. Murphy retired as the associate superintendent of schools for communications and marketing for the Archdiocese of New York in 2006. She had been a member of the superintendent's staff since 1981 responsible for the internal and external communications. Prior to joining the staff, she was a reporter and education editor for THE CATHOLIC NEWS. Mrs. Murphy was an adjunct professor in the Graduate School at The College of New Rochelle (2000-2011) in the Department of Art and Communications. Following her retirement, she was a communications consultant to schools, Catholic dioceses and non-profit organizations in the Northeast. She was the host of NORA'S NEIGHBORS on WVOX-AM ( 2006 -2011) and the author of A YOUTH GUIDE TO SAINT PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL (2007). Mrs. Murphy served on a number of boards of directors at schools and non-profit agencies. Most recently she was president of the Board of Directors of HOPE Community Services, Inc. in New Rochelle. She was co-president of the Tuckahoe School PTA (1965-1987) and chairperson of the Saint Joseph's Parish Council (1988-1990). Mrs. Murphy is survived by her son and three grandsons, Evan, Alexander and Aidan, as well as her godchildren Ellen Bednarz (Sayreville, NJ), Mary Sheil Williams (Centreville,Va.), Anthony A. Scott (Eastchester). Calling hours at the Fred H. McGrath & Son, Funeral Home, Bronxville, between the hours of 6 to 9 pm Thursday and 9 to 10:30 am Friday. Mass of Christian Burial St. Joseph's Church, Bronxville, on Friday April 13, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions to HOPE Community Services (50 Washington Avenue, New Rochelle) or The Marist Brothers (4200 West 115th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60655) would be appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal News from Apr. 12 to Apr. 13, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for NORA MURPHY

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Miyada Musharbash

May 2, 2012

“The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.” ? Khalil Gibran
I was so saddened to hear the passing of Professor Murphy. She is remembered every day; every time I start a letter, an e-mail, or a newsletter; I remember “Be concise”, “Less is more” and “K.I.S.S.”. Thank you Professor Murphy. May she Rest In Peace.

Lucille Storen Uhlman

April 28, 2012

From my days at Maria Regina High School until the present, Nora was, first, my teacher, then my co-worker, and, always, my friend. She went from being my homeroom, Latin and journalism teacher to being my pizza-sharing buddy. Because of her, I'll always(a)tuck in my blouse and (b) check my sources. Godspeed, Nora.

Nancy Hoover

April 21, 2012

'Miss Sharkey was my journalism teacher and teacher advisor on the Queens Banner in 1966-9.I remember her fondly for her intelligence, compassion and encouragement for somewhat inept students. I reconnected with her recently on facebook where she shared with me how much she loved her family, her son and grandchildren. Know she will always be rememered.

Sr. Margaret Ann Platt, C.R.

April 14, 2012

The Sisters of the Resurrection at the House of Contemplation in Italy offer their condolences and assurance of prayer. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered in the convent chapel for the repose of the soul of Nora Sharkey Murphy.

Judy Rhineschmidt McAvoy

April 13, 2012

I was a journalism student of "The Shark"'s at MRHS in 1970...loved that class AND her...such sad news....

April 13, 2012

Nora, RIP...our memories date back to our youth in The Bronx and Grandpa Keen. Nora, one of my oldest friends.
Ron LoPinto, Bronxville NY.

Sister Cecilia Berdar, C.R.

April 13, 2012

Sisters of the Resurrection at Maria Regina High School extend their deepest sympathy and assurance of rememberance in our community prayers.

Kevin McGill

April 13, 2012

The McGill family would like to express our deepest condolences. Professor Murphy made the world a better place. She will always be remembered for what she taught me about writing and about reaching my full potential.

Eva Marie Burns

April 13, 2012

Gone but not forgotten! Professor Murphy has entrusted her students with creative writing techniques as well as the value of journalism. She inspired many and believed in all of us, she will always be remembered.

Jim Aucone

April 12, 2012

I was saddened to read of Nora's death. My condolences go to her family. She is fondly remembered from our days at Fordham, and from the lunches we shared over the years. She will be missed.

Carole Troum, Executive Director-HOPE Community Services

April 12, 2012

The Board of Directors, staff and clients of HOPE Community Services mourn the loss of our President, Nora Murphy.
Nora will be sorely missed but not forgotten.

Jamal A. Williams

April 12, 2012

My deepest, most heart-felt condolences on your loss. When I heard the news of the passing of Professor Murphy my heart sank; she made me value my education and understand the concept of clear and concise writing! I wish I had the opportunity to tell her 'thank you.'

Hold the memories of her close to your heart, and remember this too shall pass...weeping may endure for a night, nut joy commeth in the morning! On that great and glorious day if you are faithful, you shall reunite with her in the earth made new!

Peace and Blessings

fjohn reinke (mc1968)

April 12, 2012

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

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