Barbara Murphy

Barbara Marie Murphy, an award-winning educator and adventurous world traveler, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, at age 89.

For more than 30 years, Barbara inspired students as a Spanish and French teacher at Miller Creek Middle School in Terra Linda, California. Known for her spontaneous and unconventional teaching style, she sparked curiosity and a lasting passion for languages in her classroom.

After retiring from teaching in Marin County, Barbara moved to Germany, where she served as an adjunct faculty member for the University of Maryland. There, she taught undergraduate and graduate courses to American soldiers stationed at U.S. military bases across Europe.

Barbara's love of adventure was evident early on. She attended four different colleges, including a formative period living in Cuba while studying at the University of Havana. After earning her teaching degree, she worked for two years as a stewardess with Pan American World Airways, assigned to major South American routes because of her Spanish language skills.

In 1972, Barbara was awarded a sabbatical that allowed her to take a temporary leave from teaching and enroll at the University of Marseille in Aix-en-Provence to further enhance her French language proficiency. As a single mother, she took her two sons with her, immersing the family in Provencal culture and using Aix as a base for many European excursions throughout France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Monaco, to name a few.

After returning from sabbatical, Barbara enrolled at Dominican College in San Rafael, CA and earned her Masters degree in Counseling.

She is survived by her sons, Kevin (Heather) and Terry; her grandson, Connor; and her beloved nieces, Cyndee Sequino and Pam Danesi.

A celebration of Barbara's remarkable life will be held at Terry's home in Pleasant Hill, California, on April 27. (Please contact the family for details.)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara's name to Samaritan's Purse of North Carolina, a cause that she supported.

In recent years, Barbara embraced her "Born Again" Christian faith with great commitment and joy. She boldly shared this faith with her friends, as she wanted them to have the same hope and certainty of eternal life that she now had.

Barbara lived life to the fullest-always seeking new experiences and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her. Her lifelong passion for learning and sharing knowledge was matched by her quick wit, humor, and fierce loyalty to friends. She will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, dedication to education, and loving heart.