M. Aileen Murphy, 94

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FRAMINGHAM – M. Aileen Murphy, 94 a resident of Framingham for 60 years, died Sunday, October 18, 2020 at Oak Knoll Health Care Center after a long illness.

She was born at home in Arlington, to Michael and Elizabeth O’Sullivan. Aileen spent her childhood years in Everett, and was the consummate older sister to Margaret, Patricia, Bryan, Cecilia, and Michael. In September of 1951 she married her favorite dance partner Edward T. Murphy and for over 54 years they were two minds with one big heart. Edward T. Murphy preceded her in death in 2005.

Aileen was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her daughters Michele and Maura and embraced the moments she had with them. The loss of Dr. M. Michele Murphy Reilly in 2002 remained a source of sorrow all her life but she exemplified her favorite poem “Don’t Quit” by John Greenleaf Whittier. “ Don’t give up though the pace seems slow. Success is failure turned inside out.[…] So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit. It’s when things seem worse you must not quit.”

Aileen was extremely kind, fiercely independent and possessed a sharp mind. Always supportive of family and friends Aileen was happy to help when someone needed funds, a shoulder to cry on or a baby to be cared for.

Aileen worked as a bookkeeper at Goodwin Furniture and Morris Alper Food Brokerage.

However, it was art, reading, the outdoors and family, which brought her joy. She enjoyed painting images but found just as much satisfaction in painting the house or sealcoating the driveway. Working in her yard she planted a colorful variety of flowers so the house was always in bloom.

Even into her 80’s it was routine to see Aileen outside raking leaves, trimming trees and planting new grass making things beautiful. Aileen was a terrible cook, but her signature whipped potatoes, roast turkey and hamburger puffs made holidays a delicious feast for her family.

Aileen loved being a grandmother to Edward, Bernadette, Keven, Bridget, Meaghan and Patrick. She enjoyed their companionship and adored attending their graduations, recitals, and sporting events. Aileen treasured a crowded house full of grandchildren, sisters, brothers and beagles. All who loved her dearly will never forget her perseverance, grace and undying love and caring for them.

Mrs. Murphy is survived by her daughter, Maura B. Murphy and her husband, Grant Harding, of Franklin, a son-in law Mark C. Reilly of Medham, NJ.; six grandchildren Bridget, Meaghan, Patrick, Edward, Bernadette and Keven: her sisters Margaret A. Mitton of Melrose, Cecilia E. Hamilton of Lenox and brother Michael J. O’Sullivan of Portsmouth, NH.; sister in law Beatrice O’Sullivan of Wakefield: a brother in law Fredrick Murray of Newburyport; and many nieces and nephews.

A private funeral Mass will be held Monday, October 26, 2020 at Saint Bridget’s Church, Route 9 at Framingham Centre.

Burial will follow in the family lot at Edgell GroveCemetery.

Donations may be made in Memory of M. Aileen Murphy P’84,’86 Wheaton College, College Advancement, 26 E. Main Street, Norton, MA 02766 or www.wheatoncollege.edu/giving/wheatonfund.

Arrangements by Norton Funeral Home in Framingham.