Sister Vivian Murphy, OP

Sister Vivian Murphy, OP, 88, of Sacred Heart Convent, died peacefully at 10:10 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2006 at St. John’s Hospice in Springfield. Sister Vivian was born in Penfield on March 12, 1917 to James M. and Esther Kelly Murphy. Sister Vivian graduated from St. Lawrence Academy, Penfield in 1935; she was accepted as a postulant (candidate) by the Springfield Dominican Sisters in July of 1936 and she professed her vows in 1938. For 50 years Sister Vivian (then known as Sister James Martin) taught in Catholic parish elementary schools in Illinois. Schools in Springfield included St. Cabrini, Little Flower and Christ the King. Sister also taught at St. Dominic, Quincy; St. Mary, Mt. Sterling and St. Augustine, St. Louis. In Chicago, Sister Vivian taught at St. Edward’s, St. Christina, Our Lady of Grace and later St. James in Sauk Village. In the Peoria Diocese, Sister taught at Holy Cross, Mendota and St. Malachy’s, Rantoul. When Sister Vivian returned to the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse in 1988, she assisted in the transportation program until ill health forced her to give up driving. However, she continued to enjoy her hobbies of quilting, embroidery and needlework, as well as reading and listening to classical music. Another gift that Sister shared with her family and sisters was her Irish wit! Sister Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; her “second mother” Marie; one sister, Patricia Carlson and two infant sisters. She is survived by one sister Eileen McCabe of Champaign and one brother Thomas Murphy of Danville; four nieces; four nephews and by her Dominican Sisters with whom she lived and ministered for 69 years. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 15th from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Convent Motherhouse, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield. A Vigil Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15th, 2006 at Sacred Heart Convent with Rev. Peter Witchousky, OP, as presider. Final Commendation and Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 16th, 2006. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Springfield. The family and Dominican Sisters of Sister Vivian Murphy are being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.