Aston, PA —Sister Marie Bride Murphy, OSF, died in Assisi House on June 20. She was ninety-one years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for sixty-nine years. Sister Marie Bride (Brigid Murphy) was born in Pomeroy, County Tyrone, Ireland. She entered the congregation in 1934 and professed her first vows in 1938. She earned a B.S. in Education from Villanova University. Sister Marie Bride ministered primarily in elementary and secondary education. In 1985 she received a plaque for outstanding teaching fromthe Pennsylvania Association of Elementary School Principals. She was the first sister to receive this award from the school district. Sister Marie Bride also ministered for several years in the religious formation program with young women entering the congregation in Mallow, Ireland (1951-1954). Her leisure activities included reading, letter-writing, crocheting, and knitting.

Sister Marie Bride ministered for twenty-eight years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She taught at St. Benedict School (1938-1944), St. Elizabeth School (1944-1947), St. Bonaventure School (1947-1950), and West Catholic High School (1956-1962). In 1997 Sister Marie Bride began serving in prayer ministry, first at Queen of Peace Convent and later in Assisi House in Aston, where she remained until her death.

Sister Marie Bride ministered in the Diocese of Harrisburg for fifteen years. She was principal of St. Joseph School in Lancaster from 1971-1981 and taught at St. Mary School in York from 1981-1986. She also served in the Diocese of Allentown, teaching at St. Joseph School in Easton from 1950-1951.

During her eight years of ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Sister Marie Bride worked in pastoral care at St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson (1989-1997).

Sister Marie Bride also ministered for twelve years in Puerto Rico, teaching at Academia Monseñor Willinger in Barranquitas (1962-1971, 1986-1989).

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Wednesday, June 27. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Marie Bride is survived by nieces and nephews and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.