Noreen Farley Murphy
Noreen Farley Murphy died peacefully September 16, 2016 following a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A first generation San Franciscan, Noreen was born on June 29, 1933 to Irish immigrant parents John and Nora Farley. Noreen attended Star of the Sea Grammar School and High School, followed by San Francisco State University, where her life-long interest in learning resulted in her earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in education.
Noreen married the love of her life, Martin “Ben” Murphy, on February 11, 1956 and settled in St. Cecilia’s Parish, on 27th Avenue, where they raised their six children. Years ahead of the women’s movement she successfully managed her career while being a devoted, loving and incredible wife and mother.
While her kids were still young, Noreen was one of the favorite substitute teachers in many of the Catholic elementary schools in the city. When she went back to work full-time, Noreen taught for 20 years at Immaculate Conception Elementary School, before accepting a position as principal of Holy Name School. An extraordinary leader, she remained the beloved principal for 22 years. Her faith and belief in Catholic education earned her, not only the respect and admiration of all the staff and families at every school community, but also the Teacher of the Year Award from the Dominican Order and Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award from San Francisco State University. Noreen excelled as an advocate for all her students, but had a special gift for helping troubled and disadvantaged youth. Her calm demeanor and exceptional intellect enabled her to mentor not only staff and other administrators, but also thousands of students and their families. She was also a dedicated member of the Board of Regents at Saint Ignatius College Prep and The Board of Trustees at Immaculate Conception Academy.
Noreen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ben, her parents John and Nora Farley, her sister Kathy (d. Joe) Boden, her brothers John and Patrick and brother-in-law Jack Murphy (d. Clare). Noreen is survived by her children Marty, Nora, Margaret, Patrick (Elsa), John Murphy and Eileen (Perry) Tomei. Known to her precious grandchildren as “Beema” she is also survived by grandchildren Matt Lopez, Cary and Paddy Dunne, Nicole (fiancé Matt Langley) and Lauren Roger, Dylan and Ryann Murphy, Nico and Ben Tomei; beloved sisters Bernadette McKeon (d. Terry), and Ann Marie Newman (d. Bill) and brother-in-law Rene Herrerias (d. May).
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the UCSF Memory and Aging Centers, the Institute On Aging and Noreen’s caregivers: Yoli, Irma, Roisin, Helena, Tanja, Deb, Blanca and Eileen Moore. Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude for your care, compassion, dedication and support of our mother. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Noreen was immensely loved by all who knew her, and she will be missed by all those whose lives she touched.
Family and friends are invited to visit with Noreen’s children at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.,Thursday, September 22, at Holy Name Church, 1555 39th Avenue, San Francisco. A Funeral Mass, also at Holy Name Church, will be held on Friday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Holy Name School, 1560 40th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122.