Dr. Joan Margaret Murray

Dr. Joan Murray, age 84 of Norwood, MA passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 following a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert Farley.

Born in Boston, MA on October 31, 1939 she was the daughter of the late James J. and Anne L. (Gurvin) Murray. Her siblings, Nancy Waters, James Murray III and Paula Murray also preceded her in death.

Joan graduated from Mt. St. Joseph Academy High School and attended Regis College, graduating in 1961. She subsequently obtained a Master’s Degree from Tufts University and was awarded a PHD from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and participated in post-doctoral work in Germany for several years. She later received a Master’s Degree in Communication from Boston University.

Upon graduating from Regis in 1961, Joan joined the Sisters of St. Joseph and remained part of this order for over twenty years. 

 Joan served as a Professor at Regis College for 47 years where she impacted the lives and careers of thousands of students. After teaching in the foreign language department for many years, she initiated and led the communications program at Regis College where she served as professor and Department Chair until her retirement.

Joan and her late husband were avid travelers and visited many places throughout the United States and the world including: Germany, Alaska, British Isles. Spain and Japan. In recent years, Joan had continued to travel with her family and friends to Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, Bermuda and Nova Scotia. 

Joan was an active member of the Boylston Schul-Verein German Club in Walpole, MA where she developed many lasting friendships and participated in many activities and events. 

In recognition for her development of a summer program for teaching the German language to young students, she was awarded the German Medal of Honor as noted in a feature article in the Boston Globe. 

Joan is survived by eight loving nieces and nephews including: Carol Waters Costello (Steve) of Hagerstown, MD; James Murray of Falmouth. MA; Alan J. Waters of Bradenton, Florida; Paul Murray (Kim) of Medway, MA; Laura Murray Dunsworth (Jeff) of Northwest Cove, Nova Scotia; Joan Waters Frieberg (John) of Audubon, PA; Douglas Murray (Cindi) of Belchertown, MA and James Waters (Terri) of Wyomissing, PA. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law Judith McManus Murray of Osprey, FL. Joan had many grand nieces and nephews with whom she had very close relationships. 

She leaves behind a very special group of college friends who have enjoyed their lovely friendship for over 60 years!

In addition, Joan also shared many memories with her close friends Kathleen McMullin and Karl Wagner, both of whom are deceased. 

Joan was a lifelong learner who took continuing education classes regularly. An avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, she additionally enjoyed the company of her beloved Shelties, Pippi, Andy and Joey.

Joan touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed. She will be warmly remembered for her intellect, strength, spirit of adventure and overwhelming generosity. 

Family and friends will gather to remember and honor Joan during visiting hours on Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Concord Funeral Home, 74 Belknap St., Concord, MA… and again on Monday, August 26, from 10:00 -11:00 am in St. Julia Parish, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston, MA. Her mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 am. Burial will be at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Concord.

Donations in her memory may be made to:
Regis College
235 Wellesley Street
Weston, MA 02493
www.regiscollege.edu
or
Boston Medical Center
Development Office
960 Massachusetts Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
www.bmc.org

Arrangements under the care of Concord Funeral Home, 74 Belknap Street, Concord, MA 01742 978-369-3388 www.concordfuneral.com