Jo-Anne D. Murphy,
August 25, 1936 ~ September 20, 2023
DANVERS - Jo-Anne D. (O’Leary) Murphy, Ed.D., 87, passed away on September 20, 2023, in Salem Hospital. She was the wife of the late William H. Murphy, Jr.
She was born in Boston, MA, on August 25, 1936. Jo-Anne was raised and educated in Roslindale, MA, graduating from high school there in 1954. She attended Boston College, graduating in 1958 as part of only the second class to admit women outside of the nursing program. She went on to earn two master’s degrees in Reading and in Special Education from Salem State College and Boston State College, and a doctoral degree from Nova University. Jo-Anne had a long career in education, working in the Peabody, MA and Marblehead, MA school systems prior to becoming a professor in the Education department at Salem State College. While at Salem State she was instrumental in the start of the master’s degree in Special Education program, served as the chairperson for the Education Department, and was inducted into the Salem State College Hall of Fame. Jo-Anne impacted so many students, educators and education administrators over the course of her career and beyond.
She enjoyed her vacation home on Martha’s Vineyard and took pleasure in sharing it and the island with family and friends. She was an enthusiastic fan of her grandchildren’s sports games and other activities.
She is survived by five children: Dr. Bill Murphy and his wife Jerrine of Laguna Beach CA, Brian Murphy and his wife Elizabeth of Swampscott MA, Brendan Murphy and his companion Jennifer Stone of Orrington ME, Carole Barker and her husband David of Littleton NH, and Bob Murphy and his wife Mindy of Danvers MA; eight grandchildren, Suzanne Gassman and her husband Chris, Caroline Pennoyer and her husband Paul, Chris Murphy, Liam Murphy, Brittany Murphy, Robbie Murphy, Megan Murphy, and Margaret Barker; and two great-grandsons, Luke and Henry.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10AM on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in Saint Richard Church, 90 Forest St, Danvers MA. Burial will follow in Swampscott Cemetery. Visitation hours will be held from 4-7PM on Monday, September 25, 2023, at C. R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St, Danvers, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jo-Anne’s memory to the Dr. Jo-Anne Murphy Scholarship Fund, c/o North Shore Bank, 48 Elm St, Danvers, MA, 01923. Online directions and condolences are available at www.LyonsFuneral.com
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I was privileged to know your mother/grandmother as a colleague, office-mate and friend for many years. Jo-Anne, Louise and Marje were my ‘older sisters’ at Salem State. The four of us shared a firm commitment to kids and their education, working hard but also having great fun. There was lots of laughter and lots of mutual support. And Jo-Anne was one of the kindest and most generous-spirited people I’ve ever known. She was also one of the most energetic, and positive. Her passing was too early and is an immense loss. It must be especially true for the big family she adored and was so proud of. I am so sorry.
Mary-Lou Breitborde
Jo-Anne Murphy, my colleague, mentor and trusted friend is deserving of all praise for living an exemplary, full, rich life. She loved her family above all. She held high the idea that every student can learn. She lived true to the slogan that “Life is Good”. My life was truly enriched by her goodness. My success as a professor at SSU was due to her. For this and so much more I am grateful to Jo-Anne Murphy, a great lady and greater friend.
Thank you for the pictures and the video! I love that I was able to get to know Jo- Anne and spend some fun times with her and your family. She was such a lovely woman ( with a great laugh!)
Dr. Joanne Murphy I will forever be grateful for your loving guidance and wisdom for the Nova Mass. cohort you steered and lead us while we all pursued our Doctorates. Prayers to you and your family. You left a legacy of love and education . Thankyou. God Bless.