Helen M. Murphy (Tipping) peacefully passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the age of 68 following a six-year, courageously fought illness. She was surrounded by her children and enough love to fill the ocean. Helen was born on June 11, 1954, to Edward and Mary Tipping, who raised her on Point Shirley in Winthrop, Massachusetts. She attended Boston College, where she met her husband, John L. Murphy III. They married soon after Helen’s college graduation and raised Bridgid and Brendan together until John’s death in 2016.
Helen was a teacher and administrator in the Boston Public Schools for over 30 years. She was a fierce advocate for her students and a dear friend to many colleagues. As a mother, she gave her family every ounce of love and energy. Nothing brought Helen more joy than making family dinners, watching her children’s sports games, or spending her summer vacations by the water.
Helen was preceded in death by her father, Edward, her mother, Mary, her brother Edward J. Tipping III, and her husband, John. She is survived by her children Bridgid and Brendan Murphy, his wife Isabel, their daughter Mariana, and many friends who will miss her dearly.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 10:00AM in St John the Evangelist Church (St. Michael the Archangel Parish) 320 Winthrop St. Winthrop, MA. Please go directly to church. Helen loved color, and we encourage those attending the service to wear colors reflective of her personality.
At the request of Bridgid and Brendan, those wishing to memorialize Helen and John may do so by making a gift in their names to Sail Newport, 72 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI. 02840. All gifts received will support Sail Newport’s 4th Grade Science and Sailing program.