NORTH ATTLEBORO – Joan E. Murphy, 90, of Attleboro, formerly a resident of North Attleboro for most of her life, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at the Life Care Center of Attleboro. She was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence W. Murphy, who passed away in 1993 and the mother of the late Kellie Murphy-Tolo. She is survived by her cherished grandsons, Ben Tolo and Tim Tolo, and her dear brother, Leonard J. Murphy, Jr. She also leaves many friends and former students to mourn her passing.
Born in North Attleboro, MA in the village of Attleboro Falls on June 24, 1933, she was a loving daughter of the late Leonard J. Murphy, Sr. and Gladys (Burton) Bronowiski.
Joan grew up in North Attleboro and was a 1951 graduate of North Attleboro High School where she served as the class vice-president. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater University in 1955.
She was a much-loved teacher for thirty-four years at the Martin School in North Attleboro and she taught for one or two years at the Verplanck School in Manchester, CT.
A woman of deep faith, she was a devoted communicant of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in North Attleboro where she was active in the Women’s Guild and was described by fellow parishioners as a pillar of the church. Always striving to give back to her community, she volunteered for the American Red Cross blood drive, the Saint Vincent DePaul Society, wrote thank you notes for the North Attleboro Animal Shelter, and was a familiar face working at the North Attleboro voting polls during elections.
Joan loved spending time with her family, friends and former students, all of whom she stayed connected with through frequent visits and through her heartfelt correspondence over the years. As a passionate dog lover, Joan considered all her dogs to be a part of her family.
Her funeral, to which relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend, will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, beginning with a time for visitation from 9:30-10:30 AM in the Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home, 15 Grove Street, North Attleboro, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Joan’s honor by her longtime friend, the Reverend David Costa at 11:00 AM in Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church (Transfiguration of the Lord Parish), 14 Park Street, North Attleboro. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Joan to the North Attleboro Animal Shelter, 40 Cedar Road, North Attleboro, MA 02760.
The family wants to express gratitude to the caring staff at Life Care Center of Attleboro who took such great care of Joan and made it a comfortable home in her final years.