Mary Bowes Murphy

Mary Bowes Murphy, 79
1946 - 2025
MARBLEHEAD - Mary Bowes Murphy, age 79, of Marblehead, MA passed away on August 19, 2025 after a period of declining health.
Born in South Boston in 1946 into a large and loving family, Mary was the daughter of the late Robert and Patricia (Collins) Bowes. She is survived by her son Michael T. Murphy and his wife Beth (Capobianco) Murphy of Southborough; her grandchildren, Steven, Justin, Emily, and Charles whom she loved and adored; her siblings Robert Bowes of Somerville, Ellen Contreras of South Boston, Margaret Best (and her husband David) of Fairfax, VA, Leo Bowes (and his wife Louise) of Milton, Dorothy Boyle (and her husband Robert) of Milton, Anne Marie Burke (and her husband Patrick) of Hummarock, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Catherine Ryan, Pauline Donovan, and Patrick Bowes, as well as her nephew Patrick Bowes Jr.
Mary grew up in South Boston, but her love of sailing and the ocean drew her to Marblehead, where she has resided since the early 1970's. Mary graduated from Emmanuel College and went on to become an elementary school teacher in the Marblehead public school system, working primarily at the Coffin School for most of her career. She has always delighted in meeting her former students, now adults with children of their own. After her retirement from teaching, Mary worked at Brass 'N Bounty and volunteered her time at the Abbot Public Library. She had a passion for gardening and took pride in maintaining the most beautiful flower gardens in her yard. Above all, Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother. Family was very important to her. She always made time to attend a sporting event to see her grandchildren play, and she always looked forward to family gatherings, especially the Bowes family Christmas party. A long term resident of Marblehead, Mary frequented the Driftwood, the Barnacle, the Landing, and the Muffin Shop. She truly made her mark in the Marblehead community and was loved by all who knew her.
Service Information: Visiting hours are Monday, August 25, 2025 from 9:00-11:00 AM at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady, Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Avenue at 11:30 AM. Burial will follow at Star of the Sea Cemetery, Marblehead.
Fond Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Mary's family.