The Reverend Madeline Murphy, 78, passed away after a lifetime devoted to service, faith, education, and social justice. A beloved sister, aunt, friend, teacher, and community leader, she touched countless lives through her compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Her legacy of kindness and advocacy will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Madeline Murphy was born on June 27, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York. She later moved with her family to Westfield, New Jersey. She graduated from Holy Trinity High School and Georgian Court College in Lakewood, New Jersey.

Madeline lived a life of service to others. As a student at Georgian Court College, she volunteered during school vacations with a group of young people who painted and repaired homes for those unable to do so themselves. Upon graduating in 1969, she began her teaching career at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Edison, New Jersey. Teaching was more than a profession to Madeline; it was her passion. After several years at St. Thomas Aquinas, she accepted a position at Plainfield High School. During this time, she earned a master's degree in English Literature from Seton Hall University.

In the mid-1970s, Madeline embraced a new challenge by accepting a position with Johnson & Johnson in New Jersey. While working there, she traveled weekly to New York City to volunteer with young people at Covenant House.

In the spring of 1990, Madeline became ill. For months, she sought answers while struggling to maintain her normal routine. By the time she was diagnosed with polymyositis, a rare autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the skeletal muscles, she was critically ill. Following weeks of hospitalization and years of treatment, the disease stabilized but continued to affect her life for the remainder of her years.

Although Madeline was unable to return to full-time employment following her illness, her dedication to serving others never diminished. She remained deeply involved in causes focused on social justice, particularly those affecting marginalized communities. She became a Mercy Associate and worked as a lay minister, contributing to both the social and liturgical life of the Church.

In January 2008, Madeline made the decision to leave New Jersey and relocate to Eastport, Maine. Accompanied by her three beloved Westies, Jingle, Annie, and Webster, she began a fulfilling new chapter of her life. While she loved the beauty of coastal Maine, her greatest joy came from the friendships she formed there. She found many opportunities to continue her volunteer work and advocacy for social justice.

Madeline was a deeply spiritual person. She found great joy in her book and prayer groups and was well versed in Scripture and contemporary theology, including women's theology. She actively participated in ecumenical activities throughout the Eastport community and beyond. In 2021, she was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church, where her ministry centered on serving others. Until her death, she served as President of the Greater Eastport Ecumenical Churches Association, working tirelessly to support those experiencing food insecurity.

Madeline will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She was predeceased by her father, Francis Murphy, and her mother, Margaret Talbot Murphy.

She is survived by her sisters, Dianne Murphy Ianniello and her husband, Patrick Ianniello, of New Jersey, and Nancy Murphy Kelley and her husband, James Kelley, of Florida; her brother, Frank Murphy of New Jersey; her nieces, Emily Ianniello, Natalie Kelley Sharma, and Mary Rose Kelley Koehn; her nephews, Philip Ianniello, Daniel Kelley, Brian Kelley, and Atticus Murphy; her great-nieces, Paige Murphy, Ella Ianniello, Ruby Ianniello, Cora Ianniello, Mabel Koehn, and Tarnie Kelley; her great-nephews, Luca Ianniello, Graham Koehn, and AJ Kelley; and countless friends whose lives were enriched by her love and friendship.

Madeline clearly expressed her wishes regarding her death. She did not want any services, memorials, or celebrations of life. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to make a donation to Labor of Love Food Pantry, continuing her lifelong commitment to caring for others.