Murphy, Marie Louise (Byrne) - of Chatham, MA, died peacefully on Monday, May 5, under the loving care of her children with the help of the caring, professional staff of the German Centre in West Roxbury, MA.
Malou was born in Newark, NJ on February 13, 1920. She was the daughter of the late Joseph M. Byrne Jr. and Marie Keller Byrne. Malou graduated from Lacordaire Academy in Montclair, NJ in 1938, and received her Bachelor’s degree in 1942 from Trinity College, Washington, D.C.
Malou married Frank Murphy whom she met while a student at Trinity, and he a student at Catholic University, on June 14, 1945. Their romance began during a wartime correspondence while Frank was stationed overseas, and it continued until his death in 2000. After their marriage, they settled in Bristol, CT where they raised their six children. When her last child enrolled in high school, Malou earned a Masters degree from Central Connecticut State University and taught English at Central High School for ten years.
Malou and Frank retired to Chatham in 1978, however it could hardly be called a retirement as both were tirelessly involved in volunteer organizations. Malou loved having a purpose, whether it was her family, parish, or Chatham community. Selflessly putting the wants and needs of others before her own, Malou gracefully gave of herself and her time. Malou and her husband worked on behalf of the homeless and were active volunteers at Holy Redeemer Church as well as the Chatham community.
Malou is survived by five children: Sheila Murphy of Charlotte, NC, Gayle (Hank) Sullivan of San Diego, CA, Hank (Susan) Murphy of Hampton, NH, Lulu (Kevin) Morrison of West Roxbury, MA, and Katie (Brian) Fischer of New Haven, CT. She was pre-deceased by her daughter, Bevan Ann Murphy. Additionally, she is survived by 15 adoring grand children, 3 great-grandchildren, 26 nieces and nephews and her brother Joseph Byrne of Basking Ridge, NJ, and her sister Barbara Schulte of Tequesta, FL. Malou was pre-deceased by her brother Richard of Little Silver, NJ and her sister Virginia Byrne Tierney of Stuart, FL.
A funeral mass for family and friends will be held on May 10th at 10:00 am at St. John Chrysostom Church in West Roxbury, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Schrafft Pavilion Activities Fund, C/O of the German Centre, 2222 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132.