MURPHY, SISTER PATRICIA - Patricia Ann Murphy was born July 29, 1939 in Moncton. She is the fourth child of Julia Ann Murphy and Clement Daniel Murphy. As a child she was joyful, unpredictable and adventuresome. At the age of seventeen she entered Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters and worked in Texas, Detroit, Colorado and California. She fully enjoyed the Hispanic community. She earned a Masters Degree in Media and Gerontology. After a great soul searching she left Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters and joined the Sisters for Christian Community where she continued living religious life until the time of her death. Accompanied by her long-time friend, Sister Kathleen Terleau, they created a community, providing supportive services for the elderly. Sister Pat was creative in any undertaking she sought. This zest for creativity flowed into her hobbies as well. She was a potter, a weaver and a guitarist. She filled her life with music and song participating in several choir groups. She was deeply spiritual, along with loving a good time. Her Irish humour could startle and delight those she met. She was poetic while being down to earth. She particular loved those who did not fit the norm, understanding them because she was one of them. Sister Kathleen, family members and friends all helped her do battle against ovarian cancer for a year and a half. She made friends at Elizabeth House; the excellent and loving care she received at this hospice facility eased her suffering in her final days. Her strong spirit led her to a serene and peaceful death. She emerged triumphant from her journey on May 16, 2011. Sister Pat is survived by brother Michael (Heather) Murphy, two sisters, Sister Mary Alice Murphy (OLVM) and Eleanor (Joseph) Khatter, sister-in-law Wendy Wilmot Murphy, many nieces and nephews and friend Sister Kathleen Terleau. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Joseph Murphy.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated June 1, 2011 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina.