Medford - Mary N. Murphy, a longtime resident of Medford and Gloucester, died peacefully, March 10th at the age of 97. She was the beloved wife of 55 years to the late Paul J. Murphy.

Born in Somerville, Mary was a daughter of the late Timothy and Mary (Lowery) Guinee. She was a graduate of Medford High School and received a B.S. in Education from Lowell State Teachers College.

Mary met her future husband Paul on the commuter train to Lowell. Together they raised their children, to whom she was devoted, in Medford. The family spent all of their summers at Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, where they created some of their favorite memories.

As an elementary school teacher, Mary dedicated her efforts to students in the Medford Public Schools, where she taught for over 20 years. She was at times a Girl Scout leader, the director of a Great Books program, and an active member of the St. Raphael Sodality, the Thursday Fortnightly Club, and the Medford Catholic Women's Club.

Mary had a keen aesthetic eye which she exhibited in the color and balance of her decor and style. She could set an exquisite table, wrapped gifts like an artist, and had beautiful handwriting. Over the years, Mary enjoyed traveling with her colleagues, and planned a cross-Atlantic family trip to Ireland, Great Britain and France with Paul for their children and her mother. Mary's favorite spot, however, was at home with a cup of black coffee and something good to read. Conversation was one of her strong suits, and she raised it to the level of an art.

Mary and Paul simply adored their grandchildren and lavished attention on them. As one of them said, "When I was with my grandmother, I wanted for nothing. And she made a legendary chicken salad." Mary placed the wellbeing of children above all else and engaged purposefully with every child in her world. Helping children develop their literacy skills was her abiding passion, and she could always connect to them with a story, a song, or some other form of fun.

Mary can be best remembered for her loyalty, hospitality, sense of humor, and gorgeous smile.

Devoted mother of Mary Elizabeth DeCamp (James) of Arlington, Melanie Murphy of Medford, Paula Silveira (Antonio) of Woburn, and the late Christine Murphy. Dear sister of the late William Morley, Timothy and Paul Guinee. Loving grandmother of Paul, Mary, James and William DeCamp and Patrick (Vy), Luke, John, and Timothy Silveira and great-grandmother of Christa. Also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tues., March 15th at 10 a.m. in St. Raphael's Church, 512 High Street, W. Medford. Interment to follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, 230 Playstead Road, Medford. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to calling hours on Monday, March 14th, 5 to 7 p.m. in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, MA 01801. Donations may be made in Mary's honor to the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston, 275 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 or to the charity of one's choice.