Mary Murphy Lester

Mary Murphy Lester died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on April 10, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. Mary’s will and determination was an inspiration to so many. She refused to give in and taught us all how to fearlessly face adversity.

Mary was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1967 to Dr. Edward G. Murphy and Elizabeth Murphy, and grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. She attended Xavier College Preparatory and earned her Bachelor of Science in Textiles and Clothing from Arizona State University.

Mary is survived by her husband, Troy Lester and their five children: Matthew Erickson, his wife Jennifer, and their sons Brodie and Tayton; Murphy Lester and his wife Jessica; Morgan Caminite and her husband Dario; Erin Lester and her fiancé Jonathan Zuber; and Brian Lester. She is also survived by her loving parents, Ed and Betsy Murphy, and sisters, Meg Koss and her husband Max; Pam Fry and her husband Steve; and Kelly Tolson and her husband Sam. Mary joins her brother, Greg Murphy, who passed away in 1988.

Mary and her high school sweetheart, Troy, married in January 1990. They moved to the East Coast and lived in Connecticut and Virgina before settling in Dartmouth, Massachusetts in 2000 to raise their children. Mary’s love for her family was extraordinary. She proved to be an amazing matriarch through her endless attendance at sporting events and extracurricular activities. She was known throughout town for her iconic flame painted suburban and extra-large chocolate chip cookies.

Mary’s love of fashion and interior design led to her years as a sales coordinator for Ralph Lauren in the Southwest and Flora Home in Padanaram. She was also a prolific volunteer, providing endless energy and enthusiasm at St. Mary’s parish in Dartmouth, Cushman Elementary, Dartmouth Middle School, and Bishop Stang High School, where she received the first ever Parent Legacy Award.

Mary will be deeply missed. Her love lives on through all of us and she will be in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, contribution’s in Mary’s honor can be made to: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215 or www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 10:00AM in St. Mary’s Church, 795 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth, MA 02748. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth, MA 02748. Burial will be Private. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com