Mary Harlan Murphy

Mary Harlan Murphy (nee Johnson) of Haverford, PA, died on April 5, 2025. Mary was born on January 13, 1938, to William and Mary Josephine Johnson (nee McMahon) and grew up in Upper Darby, PA.

Mary attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Overbrook, PA and received a B.A. from Rosemont College and an M.A. from Villanova University. She taught mathematics for 11 years before changing to a career in medicine and attending the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania.

Mary completed her residency in surgery at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, PA, and the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Mary then worked as an emergency medicine physician for 25 years at Lankenau Hospital until she retired. She was a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Mary will be remembered for her steadfast faith. She has been an active parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) in Wayne, PA, since 1975, where she served as head of the lectors, an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist, Sacristan, and Altar Server at daily and Sunday Masses. She was one of the founders of the Ladies of OLA (LOLA) and helped with numerous annual church celebrations. Mary also served on many committees, including the Parish Council, Liturgy Board, Assumption Academy School Board, and the Principal Selection Committee.

Mary's passions extended beyond her faith and medicine. In addition to being a skilled cook, an avid reader, a lover of all types of games and puzzles, as well as a wildlife enthusiast, one of her greatest interests was travel. Her wanderlust took her around the world and on many trips to Africa for safari. She organized several religious expeditions to the Holy Land, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and France. Mary also served as a docent at the Philadelphia Zoo for 40 years and was a member of the Board of the American Association of Zoo Docents. For decades, Mary enjoyed researching her family genealogy and was an active member of and served on the board of directors for the Harlan Family in America Association. 

Mary was predeceased by her loving husband, William Murphy, of 40 years and her cousin Tom McMahon. Mary is deeply missed by her cousins, Paul McMahon, John McMahon, Jean Sergeant, Mary McMahon, Frank McMahon, and Jim McMahon; her godchildren; her extended family; close friends; colleagues; and her OLA community.

Visitation is from 9 - 11 a.m., on Monday, April 14th, at Our Lady of the Assumption, 35 Old Eagle School Road, Wayne, PA. Funeral Mass to follow. Interment at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

The family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers that donations are made to Our Lady of Assumption Church. Donations can be sent to: Our Lady of Assumption Church c/o Parish Office, 35 Old Eagle School Road, Strafford, PA 19087.