Irene “Eleanor William” Murphy

Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Sister Irene Murphy, SNDdeN is the daughter of Eleanor (Martine) and William Murphy, Sr. She grew up in a lively home with four brothers and two sisters. “My family has always been at my side supporting and encouraging me in all my endeavors,” she shares. 

She attended public grade school and then studied at SS Peter and Paul High School, later Cardinal Cushing High School, where she had the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur as her teachers. 

Sister Irene’s freshman teachers made a significant impression on her as they interacted well with each other and with the students. Throughout her high school years Sister Irene found the Sisters “such fun.” Some who stand out in her memory are Sisters Margaret St. Joseph, Catherine Margaret and Mary Elizabeth Broderick. They and other high school teachers impressed Sister Irene with their joy in being Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and influenced her call to religious life. 

Entering Notre Dame de Namur in 1950, she took the religious name Sister Eleanor William in honor of her parents. For many years Sister Irene taught elementary school in Massachusetts, Rhode Island—where she opened St. Kevin’s School in Warwick—and in Connecticut. She then went to Holy Name School in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where she taught for eight years before becoming principal for 28 years. Sister Irene’s strength throughout her educational ministry was, “I loved the children.” 

Of all her ministries, Sister Irene liked administration best. She maintained an open-door policy, and every teacher, student, parent and staff member knew no appointment was needed. They had simply to knock at her door and would hear a friendly, “Come in.” 

She reflects warmly on those years: “My ministry was the highlight of my life, working with children and parents trying to meet their needs educationally, spiritually and emotionally. Moving into administration gave me a certain amount of freedom and I loved it. My theory was to make the faculty enjoy coming to their job each day. A happy teacher begets happy children who in turn go home having spent a profitable day at school. Last, but not by any means least, parents could breathe a sigh of relief, knowing all is well with their children.” Under Sister Irene’s leadership, everyone wins. 

After leaving Holy Name School, Sister Irene moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where she continued her witness to God’s goodness by working and praying with the elderly as a volunteer at Mercy Hospital. She also served as Eucharistic Minister in the hospital and to those confined to their homes. This ministry, of course, involved pastoral visits and reaching out in many ways, including hosting a semi-annual party for the elderly. 

In 2019, Sister Irene relocated to Julie House in Windsor, Connecticut. There she continues the essentials of her ministry, witnessing to God’s goodness and the joy of a life well-lived. 

As she looks back over the past 75 years, Sister Irene rejoices in her vocation and appreciates the gifts of each of her ministries: “My Jubilee year is a year of gratitude to God for 75 years of religious life and 92 years of a happy life. I am proud to be a daughter of St. Julie and a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur. I only wish I had 75 more years to travel with all of you, my Sisters.” 

Updated in 2025