Catherine M. Murphy, 97, of Medway, died March 15 in the Medway Country Manor. She was the wife of the late Walter T. Murphy who died in 2007.
Born in Medway, Mrs. Murphy was a lifelong Medway resident.
She graduated from Medway High School with honors and received a B.S. from Simmons College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Framingham State College.
Mrs. Murphy taught for many years in the Medway Public Schools, as a 4th grade teacher in West Medway Elementary School where she was appointed head teacher in 1966. Later, she was a reading specialist in the Francis J. Burke School.
Mrs. Murphy received the Medway Memorial School Award in 2011. The award is given in honor of those who have given unselfishly to the children of Medway.
Mrs. Murphy was a past president of the NOBSCOT reading council.
Mrs. Murphy was an avid reader and loved to encourage children to read and to learn.
Mrs.Murphy is survived by her children, Catherine Canon and her husband Roger of Brattleboro, Vermont, Geraldine Wright and her husband Jeryl of Camillus, New York, Mary Jane Simpson and her husband Wayne of Millis and John Murphy and his wife Joby of Monroe, Connecticut.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Christopher, Stephen, Leslie Anne, Michael, Colleen, Karyn and Brian and her great-grandson Xavier.
Her funeral will be held on Tuesday March 19 from the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 3 Barber Street in Medway at 9:15 followed by a funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church at 10:00.
Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Calling hours will be on Monday from 4-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers. memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.