 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








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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

OBITUARY

Dr. Jean Mary Murphy

February 7, 1926 – February 7, 2014

Whalen & Ball Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services