Dr. Jean Murphy

AGE: 88 • Yonkers

Dr. Jean Murphy a resident of Yonkers, New York died on Friday, February 7th, 2014 on her 88th birthday. In 1926 Jean was born to John and Mary (McCormack) Murphy. A lifetime parishioner of the Monastery Parish she attended both elementary and high school at Sacred Heart. After graduation she moved on to Good Council College in White Plains, NY, graduating in 1947. She began her teaching career at Blessed Sacrament Academy in Yonkers and then moved on to St. Helena's High School in the Bronx. While teaching she was working on her Master's Degrees in Education and History. In 1984 she received her Doctorate in Education from Fordham University. This forged her path of many years in education at Fordham where she was the Dean of Saint Thomas More College for Women. Her love of the academic world was a sustaining force in her life. Well after retirement she maintained her relationship with colleagues as well as contact with the Jesuit Community at the University. Ms. Murphy is survived by her only brother John (Marion) Murphy of Greenwood, Missouri, many nieces and nephew, as well as grand nieces and nephews, cousins and ten God-children. She was predeceased by her sister, Madeline Murphy who died in childhood. Visiting hours will be at the Whalen and Ball Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 11th from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be in Sacred Heart Church at 11:00 a.m. Interment Assumption Cemetery, Peekskill, N.Y.

Whalen and Ball Funeral Home 168 Park Avenue Yonkers, New York 10703 914-965-5488 www.whalenand ballfhcom.

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Published by The Journal News from Feb. 9 to Feb. 10, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Jean Murphy

10 Entries

Marilyn Schiller

February 21, 2014

Ms. Murphy's teachings and messages have stayed with me....and made the difference in my life....I am grateful that that our paths crossed.

Marilyn Schiller, Ph.D.
New York, NY

Benedette Astorino Fiore

February 19, 2014

Whether describing the teacher who was the most knowledgeable, most influential, or simply my favorite, the name was always the same – Miss Murphy.

I was lucky enough to be assigned to her classes in American History for my junior and senior years of high school. It might be tempting for a teacher to convey the facts and even impart an understanding of a subject matter such as this, and consider herself a success. For Miss Murphy, though, given her integrity, intelligence and insight, this would not only have been inadequate, but impossible.

There was an aura about her. Her strength and poise imbued in us a sense of security and confidence. I felt proud to be her student. We not only learned, but learned how to learn. Above all, she took the helm and guided us through that stormy passage of going from raw adolescents to responsible young adults. Since my graduation from St. Helena High School my admiration for Miss Murphy has only intensified. I never forgot her and referred to her with praise whenever the opportunity arose.

I deeply regret that I never had the opportunity to thank Dr. Murphy personally and add my accolades to the many she must have received throughout her career.

Benedette Astorino Fiore
St. Helena High School, 1962

Sr. Peggy Scarano, OP

February 15, 2014

Miss Murphy was a wonderful history/social studies teachers. She instilled in me a love for current events (we had to read Section 4 of the New York Times each Sunday) while emphasizing the need to study past world and local events. Miss Murphy certainly made an impact on the many students who had the privilege of being in one of her classes. I consider myself fortunate to have been taught by her.
Sr. Peggy Scarano, OP Class of 1964 St. Helena HS, Bronx, NY

Sr. Leda

February 12, 2014

May her earthly kindness and loving nature be blessed eternally. In Loving Memory

Sr. Leda Domino

February 12, 2014

I absolutely loved Dr.Murphy's Sociology and History lectures, but what I loved about her was who she was as a person. Strong willed woman who defied a lot of social obstacles and challenged herself as a teacher to do better with every student. She gave 100% of her time and effort into challenging others to be better. Thank you Dr. Murphy I will be forever grateful and keep you fondly in my thoughts and prayers forever more. She was a pleasure to know and be part of my personal life.

Teresa Mantovani Pesce

February 11, 2014

Miss Murphy was greatly admired by the Class of '59 at St Helena HS. She was an excellent teacher and a strong force in our lives. God bless her and welcome her.

Dr. MatyAnn Butler-Pearson. '65

February 10, 2014

I loved Miss (Dr.) Murphy's American History class. I used her idea for Current Events notebooks throughout the years I taught Earth Science. Yes, there are daily current events in the Earth Sciences!! Thank you Jean Murphy for being an inspirational teacher. Henry Adams said, "A teacher affects eternity. He can never tell where his influence ends." Rest in peace, Dr. Murphy.

Lorey Goerlinger

February 10, 2014

Thank you, Miss Murphy, for teaching me to love history and learn from it. You were an important source of inspiration at St. Helena's. Rest in peace.

Catherine Moynihan Doyle

February 10, 2014

Miss Murphy was one of the best teachers I had at St. Helena's HS in the mid 50's. Please accept my condolences.

Jacqueline Reulein Vogle

February 9, 2014

A great lady and a great teacher of history. You will be missed.

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