Anne Marie Murphy remembered for her quick wit, kind heart, bravery
Special education paraprofessional Anne Marie Murphy is remembered for her quick wit, kind heart and for her bravery in the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, her family said.
Murphy, a mother of four, was 52 when she died protecting her students, including 6-year-old Dylan Hockley who had formed a special bond with his aide, the Hockley family said.
“We are amazed at her courageous protector instincts and will always cherish her quick wit, kindness and beautiful artwork,” Murphy’s family said in a statement issued in November.
Murphy was a special education aide working with Hockley, a first-grader with autism, when a gunman burst into the school on Dec. 14, 2012. Murphy shielded 6-year-old Dylan, who she had worked with since the start of the school year and other students, according to school officials.
Dylan died in her arms, his family said in a statement issued after the shooting.
“We take great comfort in knowing that Dylan was not alone when he died, but was wrapped in the arms of his amazing aide, Anne Marie Murphy,” the family said. “Dylan loved Mrs. Murphy so much and pointed at her picture on our refrigerator every day. Though our hearts break for Dylan, they are also filled with love for these and other beautiful women who all selflessly died trying to save our children.”
In March 2013, the Connecticut State Department of Education and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council renamed the Connecticut
Paraprofessional of the Year Award to the Anne Marie Murphy Paraprofessional of the Year Award.
The award annually honors one paraeducator who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of their job, according to the state Department of Education website. The winner is announced every fall.
Murphy was a devoted mother and a selfless educator with a master’s degree in art education, her family said. She was a “humble and unpretentious person who dedicated herself to art and to caring for others,” they said.
The family wanted to speak as a group to honor Murphy who was one of seven siblings.
She had a twinkle in her eye, a funny quip on her lips and a kindness in her heart, her family said. She was also a caring daughter, sister, wife and friend who was fun to be around, they said. “She had an off-beat sense of humor,” the family said, and a “wonderful artistic eye.”
“We are so proud of her,” her family said.