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M e m o r i a l
Margaret Murphy
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n 2003, the Irish American Archives Society honored Margaret and Murlan J. Murphy, Sr., with its Walks of Life Award. It recognizes recipients’ contributions to the Greater Cleveland area and the determination of their ancestors to realize America’s promise. The couple’s commitment to serving others and generous philanthropy earned them this deserved honor. Margaret Murphy died April 19 at the age of 91 at the Jennings Center for Older Adults. “Here was a great lady, a valiant woman. A woman who lived her faith,” said the Most Reverend Anthony M. Pilla, former Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland. “Here was a woman, though blessed in many ways, was also familiar with adversity, and what character she showed in times of pain and difficulty.” Married for almost 65 years, the Murphys spent their life assisting the community’s poor, sick, homeless and unemployed through their dedication to local churches and schools and many other philanthropic efforts. Gilmour Academy also has been a longtime beneficiary of the family’s generosity. “Mrs. Murphy was a wonderful, gentle woman of faith who embodied much care and concern and offered a warm and friendly smile to all who had the pleasure of meeting her,” said Gilmour Headmaster Brother Robert Lavelle, C.S.C. “Mr. and Mrs. Murphy entrusted their four sons to Gilmour and all of their children reflect the wonderful qualities of their parents.” The daughter of Michael and Florence Scanlan, Margaret Murphy’s father immigrated to the United States from County Clare in Ireland. She graduated from Detroit’s Marygrove College before moving to New York City where she studied to become a commercial artist. Returning to Cleveland, Murphy applied her talent to fashion advertising at Cleveland’s Higbee Company where she also did some modeling. On New Year’s Day 1944, the Murphys met at Our Lady of Peace Church. Murlan (Jerry) Murphy, Jr., ’64, Chair of the Academy’s Board of Trustees, described his mother “as a private person, a ‘background’ person.” His sister, Rita Murphy Carfagna, echoed the thought in her mother’s eulogy. “Mom left the spotlight and ‘great things’ to Dad,” she said noting that her mother’s acts were done with “great love and kindness.” Known for their sense of humor, the Murphys “loved to host parties and pass out silly hats,” according to a 2009 article in the Plain Dealer. Over the years, Margaret Murphy volunteered at her children’s schools and was active with the St. Dominic Church Women’s Guild. Their four sons – Jerry; Ray ’65; Paul ’68 and Brian ’73 all graduated from Gilmour. Grandchildren Emily Murphy Maksoudian ’92 and John ’97 also are Gilmour alums. In addition to her children, she is survived by 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
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