Obituary of Sr. Jo Anne Murphy, OSF
Joliet Franciscan Sister Jo Anne (Miriam James) Murphy died peacefully on November 28, 2023, at Ascension Villa Franciscan Place. She was an enthusiastic math teacher, dedicated principal, skilled computer consultant, compassionate volunteer and cherished member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate for almost 55 years.
Sister Jo Anne was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois, on April 6, 1947, to the late Elizabeth Mary Nowak and Joseph Francis Murphy, the oldest of 11 children. She is survived by her brother Daniel (Linda) Murphy and her nine sisters: Patricia (William) Stade, Janet (Roberto) Hernandez, Rita Murphy, Teresa (Tim) Glossinger, Peggy (Jeff) Meisenhelder, Elizabeth (Bruce) LaFrance, Kate Murphy, Maureen (Darrin) Wood, and Laurie (George) Gertz. Her extended family of many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues will fondly remember her.
Sister Jo Anne attended St. Ann Grade School in Lansing, Illinois. She was a graduate of St. Francis De Sales High School (1965), Chicago, Illinois, received her B.S. with an emphasis in math from the College of St. Francis (1971), and earned an M.Ed. in educational administration (1977), from the University of Illinois, Urbana. She continued postgraduate work in math and computer science at the University of St. Francis, Joliet, Illinois, and the Illinois Institute for Technology, Chicago, Illinois.
Sister Jo Anne Murphy began her career in 1973 as a math teacher at the Cathedral of St. Raymond School, Joliet, Illinois. After serving as principal at St. Matthew Grade School (1976-1978), Champaign, Illinois, and St. John the Baptist Grade School (1978-1982), Joliet, Illinois, she expanded her career to the business world of computers and data processing. For a short time (1983-1985) she taught computer science and math at the College of St. Francis, before she worked for Household International (1985-1988), Prospect Heights, Illinois, as a computer programmer and analyst. Her duties included installing computer networks nationwide, designing an operations manual, and training corporate executives in software. In 1988, Sister Jo Anne returned to the College of St. Francis where she became the Operations Manager in Data Processing. She went on to become an independent computer consultant specializing in system analysis and end-user training. In 1982, she served as a member of the Illinois State School evaluation team. Jo Anne was a member of the National Association of Female Executives and was named in the Who’s Who of American Women 1992, for her accomplishments. Sister Jo Anne was the Human Resources Information Systems Manager for the Archdiocese of Chicago (1996-2015), Chicago, Illinois, where she assisted in the selection of the central database and customized it according to the needs of the various agencies. Her delight with computers continued into her later years in her role as a volunteer at the Center for Correctional Concerns (2016-2022) and the Broadview, Illinois, Deportation Center (2021-2023). Sister often called herself the “computer geek” and rightly so.
Visitation for Sister Jo Anne Murphy will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, Illinois, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. There will be a Visitation (10:00 a.m.) before the Mass for Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 404 North Hickory St. Joliet, Illinois, on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Remembrances and Committal will follow in the Chapel at Resurrection Cemetery, 200 W. Romeo Rd. Romeoville, Illinois, 60446. All are welcome to attend.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of Sister Jo Anne Murphy or another Joliet Franciscan Sister, please send your memorial to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet, Illinois, 60435.
Arrangements entrusted to the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home in Joliet. For further information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.
