Mary Elizabeth Murphy's Obituary
Mary Elizabeth Murphy, 86, passed away on May 9, 2026, following complications from a fall. A rare native Houstonian, Mary attended Holy Rosary Catholic School and St. Agnes Academy at its historic Fannin Street location. She possessed an innate zest for adventure; if she did not find it, adventure found her.
One of her greatest chapters began when she left Houston for Marquette University, where she met and married the love of her life, James "Jim" Patrick Murphy. Together they welcomed three children. In 1966, the family returned to Houston so Jim could attend night law school. Mary launched a trailblazing career in education with the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Wherever a glass ceiling existed, she worked tirelessly to shatter it.
While working and raising her three children, Mary earned a Master of Education from the University of St Thomas as a member of the inaugural graduating class. She later received a Doctor of Education in Supervision and Administration from the University of Houston, earning the prestigious E.E. and Myrtle B. Oberholtzer Award.
Mary advanced from the classroom to Assistant Superintendent of Schools, devoting her career to understanding how children learn and teaching educators how to teach. A widely published reformer, she earned numerous accolades, including induction into Delta Kappa Gamma, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Phi Delta Kappa. She was at her best sharing wisdom with the next generation of educators.
Deeply devoted to her faith, Mary was an active member of the St. Anne Catholic Community, the Basilian Lay Associates, and to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jersusalem.
To know Mary was to experience a life without dull moments and a table always open to others. She and Jim welcomed M.D. Anderson patients into their home, turning strangers into extended family. Exceptionally generous and remarkably quick-witted, these traits endured even during her cognitive decline.
She enjoyed tennis, the beach, travel, the Houston Pops Symphony Orchestra, and time with dear friends. A self-proclaimed “yo-yo queen,” she delighted others with her tricks. Her favorite role was "Mimi" to her nine grandchildren, whom she loved to spoil. She often said she never imagined how much joy grand-parenting would bring.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Beatrice and Joseph Anthony Heyl, Jr.; her brother, Joseph Anthony Heyl, III; and her husband, James Patrick Murphy.
She is survived by her daughters, Margaret A. Dwyer (John) and Kelly A. Fenton (Greg); her son, Patrick James Murphy (Sandy); and nine grandchildren: Megan, Patrick (Catherine Grace), Keegan, and Kelly Dwyer; William and James Fenton, Hope Latessa (Andrew); Maddie Loth (Matthew), and Maggie Murphy; as well as her cousin, Rev. Jack Hanna, CSB.
The family thanks the staff at the Village of Southampton, Brazos Towers at Bayou Manor, and Three Oaks Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.
Services:
• Visitation & Rosary: Monday, May 18, 4:30–6:30 p.m. (Rosary at 6 p.m.) at St. Anne Catholic Community, 2140 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77098.
• Funeral Mass: Tuesday, May 19, 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne Catholic Community.
• Graveside Service: Tuesday, May 19, 2:00 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amazing Place (3735 Drexel Dr., Houston, TX 77027) or to the St. Anne Catholic Church Centennial Fund (2140 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77098).
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