- Date Of Birth: September 7, 1934
- Date Of Death: January 28, 2022
- State: Connecticut
WEST HARTFORD— Sister Agnes Murphy (Sister Magdalen Marie), a Sister of St Joseph of Chambéry, West Hartford, CT, died at Monsignor Bojnowski Manor in New Britain on January 28, 2022. Born in Hartford, CT, on September 7, 1934, of the late James J. and Mary A. Callahan Murphy, Sister Agnes entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 3, 1957. She celebrated her Final Profession of Vows on March 1, 1965. At the time of her death, Sister was 87 years of age and in her 64th year of Religious Life.Sister Agnes, a graduate of St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Diocesan Sisters College, West Hartford, CT, and a Master Degree in Nursing from the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Hartford, Hartford, twelve years, Sister Agnes worked as a staff nurse at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, CT, serving as Assistant Director of Nursing in Ambulatory Services and in the Emergency Department. Then, a change of ministry took her to the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) in Hartford, where she stepped in as a staff nurse and psychiatric nurse specialist. Always a person to follow an invitation to serve those needing special attention, Sister began ministry as a counselor and education coordinator for the Salvation Army Treatment Center, Hartford, CT. She eventually became the Director of the Clinical Program at Rushford Treatment Center, Middletown, CT. A longtime AA member with a sobriety record of 40+ years, she walked many clients through the 12-Step Program. Sister was a wonderful mentor and support person for hundreds of recovering alcohols over the years. Keen insight coupled with a direct yet gentle manner earned her the trust of many persons struggling with addiction and recovery.Another new opportunity presented itself. Sister Agnes accepted an assignment as Program and Retreat Director at St. Joseph-by-the-Sea Retreat Center, South Mantoloking, NJ, sponsored by the Religious Teachers Filippini in Morristown, NJ. Here, she shared her deep spirituality and kindness with people of all faith persuasions and backgrounds desirous of spending time in prayer and retreat at the center. At St. Joseph-by-the-Sea, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Sister Agnes caught up again with a favorite hobby and relaxing pastime, that of surf fishing. According to community legend, the fish practically leaped out of the water when she appeared at shore’s edge in her L.L. Bean boots with her pole, reel, and bait in hand. Rushford Treatment Center welcomed Sister Agnes back to their staff on her return to Connecticut. She remained there until she retired from active full-time ministry. Volunteer work followed as she provided professional services at St. James Court 55+ Active Adult Community in West Hartford as a weekly blood pressure nurse and confidant. She also served her religious community as a Sister-Visitor to the Sisters of St. Joseph residing in St. Lucien’s Residence in New Britain. In 2021, Sister Agnes moved into the Sisters of St. Joseph Provincial House in West Hartford. In addition to her Sisters in Community, Sister Agnes is survived by her dear friend and religious companion, Sister Suzanne Brazauskas, CSJ, as well as her nephews, Leo Caldarella, Reverend James Caldarella of Old Saybrook, and Mark Caldarella; and her niece Ann (Caldarella) Bache of California. She also leaves behind Sisters Frances Lauretti and Donna Gagliardi, both members of the Religious Teachers Philippini Community, two special friends with whom she shared years of ministry in New Jersey. Sister is predeceased by her brothers, Richard and James Murphy, and her sisters Jane Dunion, Mary Lavoie, Rita Caldarella, and Sophie Johnson.While her illness was of very short duration, we wish to thank the administration and staff at Msgr. Bojnowski Manor and the Franciscan Hospice Care for their care and support.
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