Sister Marita Charles Murphy, 98, a Sister of Mercy for 76 years, died peacefully on September 28, 2016 at St. Mary Home, West Hartford. A native of Rockville, Sister was born March 22, 1918 to J. Charles and Mary (Rich) Murphy. Sister entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1940 after receiving her B.A. degree from St. Joseph College, West Hartford, now University of St. Joseph and professed her vows in 1943. She taught in several parish elementary schools throughout all three Connecticut dioceses for 25 years including St. Peter School, Torrington, Sacred Heart School High School, Waterbury ,Sacred Heart School, Bridgeport and St. John School, Stamford, prior to serving as Principal at both St. Peter and Paul School, Waterbury and St. Mary School, East Hartford. Sister pursued advance studies at Providence College for her M.A in theology and received a 6th year certificate in Administration and Supervision from Fairfield University. In later ministry, she became Director of Guidance at Lauralton Hall, Milford. She had a lasting, influential impact on hundreds of young lives. In retirement, Sister continued ministering at St. Mary Home as Coordinator of the Gift Store and further enjoyed the opportunity to give direct service to the elderly using her creative talent to make the store both attractive and welcoming to shoppers. In reflecting on her religious life, Sister always had a gift to adapt to change, to accept gratefully whatever came and maintain a peaceful heart. Dedicated to her two families, Mercy and Murphy, Sister was characterized by prayerful compassion, keen intellect, strong spirit, quiet charm, and gentle strength. Sister Marita has graced the Community of Mercy by her life and ministry. She was predeceased by her brother Robert and his wife Frances. She is survived by loving nephews, nieces and their spouses: Marita (Murphy) and Michael Francis, Robert and Susan Murphy, John and Joni Murphy, Maureen (Murphy) and Joseph Leydon. She also leaves eight grandnieces and grandnephews and one great grandniece, her Sisters of Mercy and especially her faithful friend Sister Peggy Rooney, RSM. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Mary Home Chapel on Monday, October 3, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. preceded by calling hours from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Sister's name are asked to consider Sisters of Mercy, 55 E. Cedar Street, Newington, CT 06111. To share a memory with the family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.