Remembrance of the Life of Mary Louise Murphy CoL

Loretto Co-member Mary Louise Murphy died Jan. 13, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. She was 87.

Mary Louise Lea Murphy was born in Nashville, Tenn., the oldest of six children of Luke and Sarah Hynes Lea. She first met the Sisters of Loretto when a high school counselor at the Loretto summer camp Marymount in Nashville, entering the Loretto novitiate soon after. She was received into Loretto May 31, 1962. Nine years later she left vowed life. Soon she married Wayne Murphy, who brought five sons to their marriage; they had two more sons together. 

Mary Louise was a dedicated educator for more than 40 years, specializing in learning disabilities. It was said she could teach anyone to read. In the early 1990s she and Wayne began visiting old friends at Loretto Motherhouse. Encouraged by Sister Marie Lourde Steckler SL and the Stuart Hall community, and by her husband, Mary Louise began the process which resulted in Loretto co-membership in 1997. She was a faithful and active member of Community Group 20 and served a term on the Loretto Motherhouse Coordinating Board.  She celebrated her 25th jubilee in March 2022. Known for her beautiful, infectious spirit, Mary Louise was a friend to all, her bright smile lighting up any room. Mary Louise died peacefully at home in Nashville.

Mary Louise left a reflection about her co-membership in Loretto: “At first, I was hesitant to mention my wish to investigate co-membership to my wonderful husband, Wayne. He had a very strong Baptist background. But Wayne believed there were many rooms in God’s house, so he and I made trips to Loretto, staying at the guest house and visiting with my contact Sister in the co-membership process, Sister Billie, and with Sister Kay and Sister Marie Lourde. All three became our dear friends.

“Co-membership has let me continue previous friendships and make new ones with the gracious, genuine, interesting and interested sisters and co-members. These relationships have been rewarding, supportive and a blessing. Wayne was always welcomed and felt welcomed.

“Co-membership has enlarged and challenged my thinking about the world, conservation of natural resources, and issues of peace, justice and the church. Our gatherings each fall and spring in Community Group 20 provided a vital link to a smaller group within Loretto and to the larger Loretto Community.

“I have had a happy life as a wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, teacher and friend. My Loretto experiences have deepened, enriched and blessed my life.”

A funeral Mass for Mary Louise was celebrated Feb. 20 at St. Matthew Catholic Church in W. Franklin, Tenn. Please keep Mary Louise, her family and all her loved ones in your prayers. May she rest in peace.