Rosemary J. Murphy

Born September 20,1942 to Edmund and Mary (Canning) Murphy, Rosemary Murphy died on January 4, 2026. She was predeceased by her siblings, Edmund M., Anne G., Alice M. (Cotter) and Vincent P. She was aunt to several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Rosemary was blessed to have many longtime friends, and she cherished these relationships.

Rosemary grew up in Providence, RI, and also lived in Massachusetts, California, Oregon and London, England. After graduating from St. Xavier’s, she received her B.Ed. from Rhode Island College and her MA from the University of Oregon. Rosemary taught in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and California, and finally, at Henry Barnard for 29 years. She was also an Associate Professor at RIC. Rosemary felt it was her privilege to serve as a resource teacher for young children, especially those for whom learning was difficult. She also taught Kindergarten and Pre-K, and helped to develop a full time Kindergarten program when the idea was quite innovative.

Rosemary lived an active life. She played basketball in High School and then basketball and field hockey at RIC. She enjoyed recreational tennis. She became an avid fan of the Providence College Women’s Basketball team and was grateful to become a part of that community. Rosemary was active in protesting the war in Vietnam, engaging in opposition to nuclear weapons, supporting social justice, and most recently very active in pro-democracy efforts, fighting food insecurity, and defending the rights of refugees and immigrants. She was a member of the Genesis Community, serving on their Education and Social Justice Committees, and the Spirited Women group. In recent years, Rosemary has continued to explore and celebrate her spirituality with the Magdelena of Hope Community.

After retirement, Rosemary lived in London for three years to study the Alexander Technique where she was certified as a teacher. Rosemary taught private lessons for 15 years, and presented in group lessons through community programs. Though Rosemary spent the majority of her life in Providence, these last years she resided in Barrington where she was grateful to receive support from the Village.

Rosemary enjoyed traveling. Over the years she visited England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Italy, Mexico, and Turkey, as well as traveling extensively through the United States. A trip to Ireland in 2018 was especially stimulating, introducing her to 14 strong activist Irish women. This visit taught her to be more open to new adventures, something she wishes everyone to remember.

The family will host a celebration of life at a future date. Please considering donating in her honor to the RI Community Food Bank, the ACLU, or the social justice organization of your choice.