Sister Eileen Murray

A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Eileen Murray, GNSH, age 102, formerly of Ogdensburg and most recently a resident of St. Joseph's Manor in Pennsylvania, will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday September 16, 2026 at Notre Dame Church with her nephew, Rev. Steven Murray, celebrating the Mass. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery.

Sister Eileen passed away peacefully after a remarkable life dedicated to God, education, and compassionate service to others on September 5, 2026.

She is survived by her brother, John Murray and his wife, Helen, of Massena; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, and many cherished friends whose lives she touched.

She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Eva (Shattuck) Murray; her sister, Margaret Austin; and her five brothers, Paul, Thomas, Robert, James, and Donald Murray.

Sister Eileen was born on October 4, 1923, the daughter of the late Frank and Eva (Shattuck) Murray. A native of Ogdensburg, she was raised in a close-knit family and community and received her education from the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart at St. Mary's Academy.

Inspired by the sisters who had taught and guided her, she entered the Congregation of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart in 1941 following her graduation from St. Mary's Academy. She continued her education at D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY where she earned a Bachelor Degree in 1947. Like many religious women of her generation, she willingly embraced whatever work was needed. Although education became her life's ministry, she could also be found driving tractors, painting, and making repairs whenever the need arose.

Sister Eileen devoted nearly seven decades to Catholic education and ministry. She taught at almost every grade level, serving students in Buffalo and Jackson Heights, New York; Lowell, Massachusetts; and Atlanta, Georgia. A gifted educator with an infectious enthusiasm for science, she inspired generations of students through lessons on ecology, space exploration, and the wonders of the natural world. Her energy, kindness, and passion for learning left lasting memories in the hearts of those she taught.

Among all her ministries, Sister Eileen often said her greatest joy came from serving as a group mother at St. Joseph's Home in Ogdensburg from 1945 to 1960. For many of the boys entrusted to her care, she became the only mother they had ever known. One former resident faithfully continued to send her flowers every Mother's Day throughout her life—a touching tribute to the love, stability, and compassion she had given him. She always described those years as some of the most marvelous and rewarding of her religious life.

Following the closing of St. Joseph's Home, Sister Eileen returned to teaching in Atlanta, a city that became her second home. There, she continued to touch countless lives through her warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith.

From 1986 until her retirement in 2009, Sister Eileen served in the pastoral ministry at St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Atlanta. She faithfully brought the Eucharist, companionship, encouragement, and hope to the elderly, the homebound, and residents of nursing homes. Her gentle presence and caring spirit became a blessing to many. In recognition of her extraordinary dedication and loving service, she was honored by the parish as its "Woman of the Year" in 1991.

Sister Eileen will be remembered as a devoted Grey Nun whose faith was evident not only in her words but in her actions. She possessed a generous heart, a tireless work ethic, and a joyful spirit that inspired everyone who knew her. Whether in the classroom, caring for children, visiting the sick, or simply offering a listening ear, she reflected Christ's love with humility and grace. Her legacy lives on in the countless students, parishioners, children, family members, and friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness and selfless service.

Services in Pennsylvania will be Saturday September 12th with visitation beginning at 9:30am, sharing of memories at 10:00am and Funeral Mass at 10:30am at the Redeemer Sisters’ Chapel, 521 Moredon Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, 928 Jaymor Road, Suite C-120, Southampton, PA 18966. Condolences and fond memories can also be shared online at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.