Diocese mourns death of beloved: Sister Monica Murphy, CSJ, 77

Sister Monica Murphy, CSJ, 77, a beloved figure in the Diocese of Albany for her work as a guidance counselor and teacher and as director of Pyramid Life Center, was tragically killed in a car accident Monday night.

“All of us in the Roman Catho­lic Diocese of Albany are so saddened to learn of the news of Sister Monica’s passing. She was a beloved figure in our Diocese, bringing her passion for her Catholic faith — and for all people — to everything she did, whether in our Catholic schools, where she served for more than four decades, or at Pyramid Life Center, where she was the driving force that has kept that camp thriving since its beginnings,” said Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger in a statement. 

“Our prayers are with the communities of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, Catholic Central High School and Pyramid Life Center during this difficult time. Our prayers also for sister’s family, including Sister Maureen Murphy, CSJ. We know Sister Monica has gone before us marked with the sign of faith to meet the One to whom she gave her entire life, but that does not make it any easier for those of us left behind. We will miss her, but we will carry on the work she loved in her absence and in her memory.”

The accident occurred near Pyramid Lake and involved one other driver, who has been hospitalized.

Sister Monica earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the College of St. Rose in 1965, a Master’s in Mathematics from Duke University in 1973 and a Masters in School Counseling from the College of St. Rose in 1993. 

Sister Monica, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 58 years, celebrated her 50th anniversary in a ceremony at Catho­lic Central High School in Troy in 2011. She began her 33rd year as director of the Pyramid Life Center this summer.

For more on the tragic death of Sister Monica, head to our website, www.evangelist.org.