CUMBERLAND — Mercy Sister Margaret Murphy, 95, formerly Sister Mary Colette, a recognized mathematics teacher, died Sept. 28 at Mount St. Rita Health Centre.
Born Margaret Elizabeth Murphy in Providence, she was the daughter of the late John F. and Mary (Fealy) Murphy. She entered the Sisters of Mercy on February 2, 1936 and professed perpetual vows on August 16, 1941.
Sister Murphy graduated from Classical High School, Class of 1935. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the former Catholic Teachers College, Providence, a Master of Arts degree in mathematics from Boston College, and pursued additional graduate studies in mathematics at Holy Cross College and the University of Notre Dame.
Sister Murphy began her teaching ministry in 1938 at the former Tyler School in Providence and moved in 1943 to the former St. Joseph School, Pawtucket. In 1944, she transferred to the former St. Ann School, Providence, and in 1947 was appointed to the former St. Xavier Academy, Providence. She continued at St Xavier until 1970 when she became a member of the faculty of Salve Regina College. In 1974 she was appointed to St. Mary Academy-Bay View and remained there until 1996.
She was president of the R.I. Science Fair and was named outstanding teacher of the year by the Rhode Island Mathematic Teachers Association. Sister Murphy was honored with the Mother Catherine McAuley Award for outstanding service and was inducted into the St Mary Academy-Bay View Hall of Fame.
She is survived by a niece and two nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 3 in Mount St. Rita Chapel. Burial was in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.
