Sr. Rita (Kathleen P.) Murphy

Sister Rita (Kathleen P.) Murphy, a Sister of Our Lady of Charity, died peacefully March 6, 2013 at the age of 75. Sister Rita was born June 13, 1937 in Dublin Ireland. She was one of 17 children, born to Philip Joseph and Margaret McNally Murphy. In 1954, Sister came to the United States to enter the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, Carrollton, Ohio where she has been a member for 59 years. Sister became a USA citizen in 1970. Sister received her bachelor degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville and her Masters in Education Administration from the University of Dayton in 1974. Sister was also certified in religious education. A teacher at heart, Sister Rita worked in the education field for many years in the Diocese of Steubenville. Sister taught at St. Mary’s School, St. Clairsville and for 13 years at St. Edward’s High School, Carrollton. She was principal of St. Joseph School, Amsterdam and St. John the Baptist School, Churchtown. She also taught Religious Education in many parishes throughout the area. From 1976-1980 she was Coordinator of Education for the Diocese of Steubenville. Sister was Administrator of St. John’s Villa, Carrollton, 1981 - 1992, where she helped to develop volunteer and employee programs for those working with the developmentally challenged youth. From 1999 until the time of her death, Sister Rita was Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Carrollton, Ohio. She was a member of the Parish Council and the Youth Core Team. In religious life, Sister Rita has held the positions of assistant superior, novice directress and was Superior of the community, 1981-1992. Sister was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Rory and Patrick, and her sister Aileen. Sister Rita is survived by the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, her brothers Phil (Noreen), Stephen, John (Nancy), Dan, Tony (Marie), Tom (Anne), Kevin (Jan), Aidan (Joan), all of Ireland, Rev. Frank Murphy, CSpS of Brazil and her sisters Pearl, Noreen (Malcolm) Allen of Ireland, Joanne Lewis of Georgia, and Maureen (LeRoy) Eid , of Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel in Our Lady of Mercy North American Union of Carrollton with Fr. Anthony Batt officiating. Burial will follow in Immaculate Heart Cemetery in Carrollton. Visitation will be in the chapel from 4-8 p.m. on Firday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity Education Fund, PO Box 340, Carrollton, OH 44615

Sr. Rita (Kathleen P.) Murphy

June 13, 1937 - March 6, 2013