Sr. Margaret "Peg" Murphy, OP

Sister Margaret J. Murphy, “Peg” was a native of Rockchapel, County Cork, Ireland, where she was one of eight children born in a family committed to peace and justice issues. She came to
the U.S. in 1958 to join the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma. Following her profession in 1961 she began teaching. Her first assignment was St. Francis School, Bakersfield, CA. She also taught
at Our Lady of the Lake, Seattle; in between Peg had two different assignments at St. Paul’s Yakima.

From 1969-1978 Peg taught at St. Paul’s in Yakima. Throughout these years, she instilled in her students’ values of peace, justice, and concern for all people. During the decades of the sixties
and seventies, Sr. Peg was a tireless champion speaking out on behalf of Civil Rights and Migrant Worker issues. These were challenging times and teaching in the Yakima Valley and speaking out on behalf of the migrant workers was not easy. But Sr. Peg spoke her truth and walked her talk by having students make sandwiches for the needy and organizing prayer services around current justice issues.

In 1981, Peg became the pastoral associate at St. Alice's Church in Springfield, Oregon. This position gave her the opportunity for interacting directly with the men and women marginalized from the mainstream of society. She lobbied, wrote letters, and worked with other local agencies to speak about the plight of the poor and vulnerable. During her time at St. Alice's, Sr. Peg developed a special concern for the elderly in the parish and surrounding area.

In 1991, Sr. Peg was elected to the Leadership Team of the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma, a position she held for eight years. During that time, she represented the community as a board member of the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Committee in Seattle. She again served on the Leadership Team from 2015-2019.

When Sr. Peg moved to Tacoma, she became an active member of St. Leo’s Parish. She served on the Pastoral Council and Justice Committee as well as serving as a greeter at Sunday Liturgies. She remained active in St. Leo’s activities until her health dictated cutting back. Sr. Peg received the Archbishop Hunthausen Award for Humanitarian Service in 2005. She was also one of the first members of the Nativity House board.

In 2001, she was one of the sisters and associates instrumental in the founding of Catherine Place, an urban personal growth and spirituality center for women. Sr. Peg was the first Executive Director and maintained that position for 15 years. In serving as director, Sr. Peg devoted full time ministry to meeting the needs of the poor, the marginalized and the broken. In collaboration with other workers at Catherine Place, she was influential in making Catherine Place known through Tacoma and the surrounding areas.

Before entering the Dominican Community, she trained as a licensed practical nurse. She received a BA Education from St. Martin's College in Olympia and a M.A. in Religious Studies from Seattle University and completed postgraduate courses in counseling from Oregon State University. 

In May of 2022, Sr. Peg moved to St. Joseph Residence in Seattle. When she could, Sr. Peg enjoyed visiting with sisters, associates, and friends. She also had a strong phone presence. Sr. Peg will be missed, but her presence lives on in us reminding us that it is our responsibility to act for peace and justice. 

Sister Peg is predeceased by her parents, brother Gerald, sister Kay (Murphy) Scannell and twin sister Sister Mary Pat Murphy, OP.

She is survived by sister, Betty (Murphy) Scully, Brigid (Murphy) Sheehan brother Marty Murphy and sister, Sister Nora Murphy, OP.

Services will be:
Funeral Mass, Wednesday, April 17, St. Leo's Tacoma,12:10 PM; burial will be Wednesday, April 17, Calvary Cemetery, Tacoma, 3:15 PM

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