Sister Patricia Murray, ( Pat/Patty), formerly Sister Vincent Francis, entered eternal life on February 24, 2010. Patty died at the Reading Hospital. Her funeral took place at Saint Joseph Villa on March 3, 2010. Her unexpected death caught all by surprise. Such a vibrant and active presence, she was mourned by many and will be sorely missed.
The third child of Francis and Kay Murray’s twelve children, Pat grew up in a loving, close-knit, faith-filled family. The family, including Mrs. Murray’s mother, lived in Saint Vincent Parish in Philadelphia. Well-known and respected in their community, the Murray children could be found in every grade. After her high school years at Little Flower, Patty, always an outgoing, sharing, caring young woman, entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1958. No surprise that she would follow her heart. Having celebrated her golden jubilee just two years ago, Patty summed up her years by proclaiming aloud on that day, “I love being a Murray and I love being a Sister of Saint Joseph!”
Early on, Pat was an elementary teacher. She was also a local coordinator. Her teaching ability, education, and desire led her to Paradise School where, once again, she showed special talent, in this case, for the boys in her care. Her last years were spent in devoted service as social worker at Dayspring Home. A legendary story teller, Patty was able to recount funny tales whenever she gathered with her loving family and friends.
One of Patty’s most significant contributions as a family member and Sister of Saint Joseph was her care of her dear sister, Regina. This younger sister, a woman with special needs, was attended lovingly by parents and siblings for many years. In recent years, Pat was invited to become residential supervisor at Dayspring, a facility that provides support to persons with special needs who could no longer remain in their family homes. In July of 2000, Pat and her sister Regina moved in. In 2008, as a result of the great growth of Dayspring, the two moved into Saint Joseph’s Place in the Ashley Run Development in Reading, PA. Pat went home to God with her hands full.
Pat knew that she was God’s own beloved daughter and she relished this relationship. “God has always spoiled me throughout my life,” Pat said in an interview.
Her happy, generous nature, fueled by a lively sense of humor, touched her many friends and those to whom she ministered. She enjoyed 52 years as a Sister of Saint Joseph, faithful to the vocation that she so treasured. May she rest in peace, finally united with the God she served so lovingly. |
