Margaret M. (Callaghan) Murphy

Margaret M. (Callaghan) Murphy, of Belmont, formerly of Watertown, died Thursday, February 15, 2024 in MetroWest Medical Center. She was 91. 

Born on August 5, 1932 in Watertown, she was a daughter of the late Irish immigrants (both from Banteer, Co. Cork) John Callaghan and Nora (Cahill) Callaghan. Raised in Watertown, she was a graduate of Watertown High School who later attended Bryant and Stratton School in Boston. She married South Boston native Michael F. Murphy in 1965 at Saint Theresa’s Church. Longtime residents of Watertown, Michael died on June 16, 1982. After her retirement, Margaret moved to Falmouth, Cape Cod where she made her home for over twenty years before returning to live in Belmont with her son’s family. 

She worked throughout her life as a librarian at The Arsenal in Watertown and later at The Perkins School for the Blind also in Watertown. 

Margaret cherished her Catholic faith throughout her ninety-one years. She was a devout member of the former Saint Theresa’s Parish on Mount Auburn Street, the Catholic Daughters of America as well as a member of Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Parish in Waltham.  She donated her time making rosary beads with her “beading group” in Watertown, and she volunteered for many years with “Around the Table,” preparing meals at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church in Falmouth. 

Margaret loved to read and discuss books, especially with her book club on Cape Cod.  She passed on her love of literature (especially Irish writers) to all those who knew her.  She loved to work with her hands and was a passionate baker, gardener, knitter, and needle-pointer.  She traveled extensively and adventurously throughout her life completing trips to Catholic sites across Europe as well as others.  Nevertheless, her first and most important trip in 1954 took her to Ireland, a destination which she returned to countless times throughout her life. She maintained very close relationships with all of her family in Ireland despite the distance, and she became a great source of knowledge on Irish history, culture, music and literature.  She loved nothing more than to welcome her Irish visitors for a chat in her homes both in Watertown and Falmouth. 

In addition to her beloved Michael, she was predeceased by their son, Joseph P. Murphy in 2003 and her siblings, Julia ‘Sheila’ Bolton and John ‘Frank’ Callaghan; and her dearest, lifelong friend, Evelyn Sullivan of Watertown.

She leaves her children, Michael F. Murphy and his wife, Liliana of Belmont, Grace E. Walsh and her husband, Michael of Waltham; her five grandchildren, Julia and Daniel Walsh of Waltham, Max and Matthew Murphy of Belmont and Elizabeth Murphy of Springfield; her brother-in-law William Bolton of Falmouth; nieces & nephews. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Margaret's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, February 22nd from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial is private.

Those wishing to view the broadcast (and recording) of Margaret’s Mass please use this link: https://my.gather.app/remember/margaret-murphy-2024

Memorials in her name may be made to Our Lady’s Parish, 920 Trapelo Road, Waltham, MA 02452.