Sheila Scott Murphy

Sheila Scott Murphy, 88, a longtime resident of Glen Ellyn and Naperville, IL, and most recently Oak Trace Retirement Community, passed away peacefully in Minneapolis, MN on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born June 8, 1936, in Montague, MA, Sheila was the daughter of Timothy and Marguerite (Abell) Scott. She grew up in Greenfield, MA, and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she graduated at the top of her class. A natural leader and lifelong cheerleader-both literally and figuratively-Sheila was captain of the cheerleading squad and Vice President of Kappa Kappa Gamma, where she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime.

She met her college sweetheart, Robert (Bob) Murphy, when the two were cast in a college production of Paint Your Wagon. After graduating in 1958, Sheila traveled the country as a market research analyst for Procter & Gamble while Bob began training for the United States Air Force. They married in 1960 and found their first home at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, FL. Sheila remained there while Bob was stationed in Korea for 18 months. Upon his return, Bob worked for IBM which took them to Nebraska and Wisconsin, before settling in Glen Ellyn, IL where they raised their family.

After years as a devoted stay-at-home mom, Sheila began a 29-year career in education. She taught kindergarten and first grade at Briar Glen Elementary School in Wheaton, IL, where she was beloved by students and staff alike. Passionate about early childhood education, she pioneered a multigrade teaching program and launched initiatives such as the Family Math Program, a school publishing center, and a tutoring program for students in need. She mentored young teachers and spoke at national conferences, educating teachers in the Mathematics Their Way program. Her impact in District 89 and beyond was deep and lasting-but what made Sheila truly special was the genuine joy and enthusiasm she brought into her classroom every single day.

Faith was Sheila's foundation. A devoted Catholic, she was deeply engaged in her local parishes and cherished the friendships she formed through Bible study and volunteer work. Her faith carried her through life's challenges and inspired her constant focus on kindness and service to others.

Sheila had a gift for bringing light into every space she entered. Whether raising her children, supporting friends, or volunteering in her church, her optimism lifted others up. She was the very definition of involved-a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, attending sporting events, performances, and celebrations of her children and grandchildren with heartfelt pride.

Family was her everything. She poured her heart into creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Her children and grandchildren knew they could always count on her steady guidance and uplifting spirit. She was the matriarch of a family who truly enjoys one another's company-a legacy she was most proud of. She especially cherished family holidays, where every member of the family gathered-something she looked forward to all year.

Sheila loved getting lost in a good book, browsing antique shops, and thoughtfully accessorizing every outfit with her signature style. She especially enjoyed music - particularly the moments spent listening to her family's sing-a-long guitar sessions. She was the best audience-always there with a big, genuine laugh that made you feel like you were the funniest person in the room.

Sheila was predeceased by her loving husband, Bob (September 2018) and is survived by her four children: Mark, Shawne Murphy Johnson, Scott (Alicia), and Megan (Dan) Bergin; her eight grandchildren: Murphy, Cooper, and Quinn Johnson; Samantha and Alexis Murphy; Finn, Nora, and Maeve Bergin; and her great-grandson, Arthur. She is also survived by her brother, Neal (Shirley) Scott, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Sheila had a way of making everyone around her feel seen, supported, and loved. She encouraged the best in others and will be remembered for living a life of kindness, grace, purpose and gratitude.

A celebration of Sheila's life will be held on Tuesday, August 12th at 10am, Saint James the Apostle Catholic Church in Glen Ellyn.