Sr. Jeanette Murray OSB

Surrounded by her Benedictine Sisters, Sister Jeannette Murray, OSB, died on Thursday, March 21, 2013, the feast of the Passing of Saint Benedict, at Saint Gertrude Monastery in Ridgely, MD. She was born in Wilmington, DE, to the late Marcella and John Murray on June 25, 1924, and was predeceased by her parents, her three sisters, Dorothy Kinley, Catherine Hersh and Jane Hollingsworth and one brother Rev. John Murray,OSFS. A graduate of Wilmington High School, Sister Jeannette entered the Benedictine Sisters in 1943. She later earned a B.A. in History from Seton Hall University and an M.A in Special Education from Cardinal Stritch College. During her early professional career, she taught and/or was principal at various parochial schools in Delaware and New Jersey. Her love for “special children” took her to the Benedictine School for Exceptional Children in 1960. There she served in various roles: educator, dorm mother and fund-raiser. For many years, she was the Directress and retired in 2012. Sister was a pioneer in providing services to children and adults with special needs at a time when there were few public or private options nor were there legal protections in place to insure their educational rights. As a charismatic leader and change agent, Sister Jeannette loved going to the General Assembly of Maryland and advocating to the legislators for bond bills for “her kids.” She was fond of saying, “if your challenge is too big, then your God is too small.” Under her guidance, many diverse and innovative programs were initiated. In 1980, she founded the first of many community homes for adults in Maryland and Delaware. As she neared retirement, she continued her dream and vision for the final phase of programming for adults with disabilities, that of senior living homes. This would be her final piece of a complete and total program for the disabled across their lifespan. She served her Benedictine Sisters in the role of Prioress from 1968 to 1980. During her administration, the community built a new monastery and met the challenges and changes introduced by the Second Vatican Council. Sister Jeannette will be remembered for her strong faith, her sense of humor, her belief in dignity for all, her love of her Benedictine community, special children and adults and everything Irish. Her strong spiritual beliefs were the basis and support for all of her life’s endeavors and achievements. Over the course of her professional career, Sister was active on countless boards and commissions. She was also the recipient of many awards and citations. Two of her most cherished were the honorary Doctorate from Saint Anselm’s College in Manchester, NH, and her certificate as an honorary Maryland State Trooper. In addition to her Benedictine Sisters, she is survived by several nieces and nephews, many cousins both here and in Ireland and her special cousin, Rob Blakely and his children Maureen and Robert,Jr A Mass of Resurrection will be held in the Benedictine School Gym at 7 PM on Monday, March 25 and is open to the public. The Sister's will be receiving friends and reletives on Monday, March 25, from 2 PM to 6 PM at the Benedictine School Recreation Center. As per Sister Jeannette’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benedictine Sisters’ Retirement Fund, 14259 Benedictine Lane, Ridgely, MD, 21660.

Sr. Jeanette Murray OSB

June 25, 1924 - March 21, 2013