Sheila Murphy

Sheila (Celia) was born on July 23, 1937, in the Isle of Doagh, Co. Donegal, Ireland. In 1958 she bravely immigrated to Boston with her sisters. She began her life here as an au pair in Chestnut Hill. While there she would join the rest of the Irish immigrants every weekend at the Irish dances on Dudley Street in Boston. Her love of Irish music and dancing would stay with her for the rest of her life, often convincing her grandchildren to join her for a dance around the kitchen floor. It was at these dances that she met her husband, Francis, also an immigrant from Ireland. They married in 1965 and raised three children together in Rockland where she lived for the rest of her life. Sheila was a kind, loving person who particularly loved taking care of the elderly, whether it was her neighbors, or at Old Colony Nursing Home in Abington as a part-time housekeeper or later as a homemaker for various home health agencies. Sheila also loved being a grandmother and never missed an opportunity to babysit or just be around them to enjoy seeing them grow. Above all, Sheila had a great outlook on life and if you knew her, you knew her as always smiling and never taking life too seriously.

Sheila is survived by her beloved husband, Francis Murphy, of 61 years. She is also survived by her three loving children, Francis Murphy and his wife Eileen of Taunton, James Murphy and his wife Deborah of Whitman, and Mary Diver and her husband Ronnie of Abington. Sheila is survived by her eight grandchildren, Matthew Diver and his wife Amanda, Emily Murphy, Brian Diver, John Murphy, Laura Murphy, David Murphy, Caitlin Diver, and Thomas Murphy. She also was proudly promoted to great grandmother in July of 2024. She is also survived by many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Sheila was predeceased by her dear parents, Michael and Celia, and her cherished siblings, Elizabeth Doherty, Mary O'Leary, and Michael Gibbons, all of whom she is now happily reunited with in heaven sharing a cup of tea after many years apart.

Visiting hours will take place in Sullivan Funeral Home at 45 East Water Street, Rockland on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Sheila's life will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Bridget Catholic Church, 455 Plymouth St, Abington, with burial immediately following at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Abington. Family and friends are welcome to meet at the funeral home on Friday at 9:30 a.m. prior to the Funeral Mass before proceeding to the church.