Sally A. "Murphy" Moynihan

1938 – 2026

Beloved wife of James L. Moynihan of Lowell, MA

After a brief illness, Sally A. (Murphy) Moynihan passed away peacefully at her home in Lowell on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, surrounded by her adoring husband of 64 years, James L. Moynihan, and her loving family.

Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Sally was the daughter of the late James and Irene (Blaisdell) Murphy. She grew up in Lynn and graduated from Lynn English High School in 1957. She went on to earn her Registered Nurse degree from Catherine Labouré College of Nursing and later received her Bachelor of Arts degree from New England College.

Sally began her nursing career as a medical-surgical nurse at Salem Hospital and later at St. John's Hospital in Lowell after marrying the love of her life, and moving to the city. While raising her children, she worked in private duty nursing and behavioral health. She eventually retired after ten years as an elementary school nurse in the Lowell Public Schools. Sally cherished her nursing career and the lifelong friendships she made in nursing school, recently reuniting with her classmates at their 65th reunion this past September.

A devoted parishioner of St. Margaret's Church, Sally was active in the Sodality, Rosary Club, and Choir, and taught CCD classes for many years. She loved family gatherings, dancing with her husband, long walks on the Highlands Patrol with her dear friend Lorraine Primeau, and the friendships she formed during years of tennis at Trull Brook. She enjoyed traveling and dinners with "The French Connection," cheering on the Bruins and watching the Patriots, summers at Seabrook Beach and later, Ossipee, NH, outings with her daughters playing the nickel slots, and most of all, beating everyone she played at Scrabble. Sally and Jim spent their last ten winters in Naples, Florida, where Sally was happiest at the beach with the sun on her face.

If it takes a village to raise a family; Sally was her family's village. She loved caring for her husband, children, and grandchildren, and had a remarkable gift for making everyone she met feel like part of her family. Her beautiful smile and kind heart shone through in everything she did. When her children were young, they affectionately nicknamed her "Sally the Saint", and she truly was.

Sally is survived by her husband of 64 years, James L. Moynihan; her children: daughters Kathleen Plath and her husband Scott of Lowell, MA; Patty Ryan and her husband Dan of Lowell, MA; Mary Ferry and her husband Dave of Lowell, MA; sons John Moynihan and his wife Jennifer (Desmond) of Tewksbury, MA; and Kevin Moynihan and his wife Dr. Allie Schwartz of Parkland, FL. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Aislyn and Tara Plath, Kelli (Plath) Clement and her husband Gary, Joe and Jack Ferry, Maeve, Conor, and Shea Moynihan, and Hannah and Julia Moynihan.

She is also survived by her siblings Maureen Ledrich of Casselberry, FL, and Arthur Murphy and his wife Lynn of Ludington, MI; her sisters-in-law JoAnn Murphy of Fort Worth, TX, and Karen Murphy of Kirkland, WA; her niece Gail DeAngelis and her husband Carmen of Medford, MA; and many nieces and nephews.

Sally was predeceased by her beloved son, Jim Moynihan, and his longtime partner Jonathan Lamson of Chelmsford; her brothers James and Gerald Murphy; her sister Diane Murphy; her nephew John Murphy; her brother- and sister-in-law Francis ("Micky") and Dorothy ("Dot") Moynihan; and her niece Fran Moynihan.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the providers and caretakers at Care Dimensions and Beth Israel Lahey Hospital. A special note of gratitude goes to her daughter Patty, whose exceptional care and compassion made it possible for Sally to remain at home during her final weeks.

Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 3 to 7 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass to be celebrated Tuesday morning, January 20, 2026, at ST. MARGARET OF SCOTLAND CHURCH in LOWELL at 10 o'clock (please meet at church). Burial to follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sally's memory to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, 657 Middlesex Street, Lowell, MA 01851, ATTN: Joe Hungler, or by visiting lbgc.org. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell, Jr., (978) 458-8768.