(1926-2023)

Sister Joan Murphy, formerly known as Sister Margaret Patrick, died on Friday, July 28, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 97 years of age and in the 77th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Joan was born in Highland Park, Michigan, to Patrick and Margaret (Hanlon) Murphy. She graduated from Highland Park High School in Highland Park and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian, followed by a Master of Arts degree in English and a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy, both from University of Detroit (Detroit Mercy) in Detroit, Michigan.

Sister Joan ministered for 30 years in elementary and secondary education in Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio; five years in pastoral ministry in Flint, Michigan, and Clarksville, Georgia; and 12 years in religious education in Arvada, Colorado; Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Springs and Twentynine Palms, California; Griffin, Georgia; and Mobile, Alabama. In addition, Sister Joan served five years at Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian, was a health care volunteer for 16 years in Lexington, Kentucky, and spent time volunteering in New Orleans in 2007 to assist in the area devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Sister Joan became a resident at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2011.

Sister Joan was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Patrick, John, Kathleen Craft, Margaret Costello, and Mary Wilson. She is survived by loving family members and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Visitation will be held from 6:30-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 3, 2023, in the Gathering Space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 3, 2023, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 4, 2023. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery. 

Those who are not attending services in person are welcome to participate via live stream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

Sister Joan's Vigil Service - After clicking the link, you may choose to download the recording by clicking on the three dots at the bottom right corner of the screen and choosing "Download." Worship Aid (PDF)

Sister Joan's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, you may choose to download the recording by clicking on the three dots at the bottom right corner of the screen and choosing "Download." Worship Aid (PDF)

 

Left: Joan Murphy, senior picture, 1944 graduate of Highland Park Senior High School in Highland Park, Michigan; Center: Center: Joan Murphy in graduation cap and gown;  Right: Sister Margaret Patrick (Joan)

Left: Graduates of Siena Heights College, Adrian, on July 31, 1952, are, from left, Sisters Madeleine Sophie McLeod, Therese Mary Foote, Frances Eugene (Mary Therese) Golden, Margaret Patrick (Joan) Murphy, and John Elene (Constance) Kelly; Center: Sister Margaret Patrick (Joan) with her parents, Margaret and Patrick; Right: Sister Kathryn Lumbrezer, left, with Sister John Murphy

Left: From left, Sisters Joan Murphy, Mary Miday, John Norton Barrett, and Lorraine Sinn; Right: Sister Joan Murphy works on a raised bed in the Permaculture Garden at the Motherhouse.

Members of the 2005 Jubilee Crowd are: back row, from left, Sisters Lois Spear, Kathryn Lumbrezer, Madeleine Sophie McLeod, Nadine Foley, Joan Murphy, and Donna Markham (Prioress) and front row, from left, Sisters Mary Therese Golden, Anne Gallagher, Catherine Henry Schmid, Margaret Mehigan, Therese Mary Foote, Constance Kelly, and Dorothy Jehle. Not pictured is Sister Mary J. Beaubien. 

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