Therese J. (Macgillivray) Murphy

WORCESTER – Therese J. (Macgillivray) Murphy, 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 under the loving care of her family and the dedicated staff at St. Mary Health Care Center in Worcester. Born in Framingham, Therese was the daughter of Roderick and Georgianna (Warren) Macgillivray and lived many years in Dorchester and over 20 years in Rutland before moving to Worcester in 1970. Therese began her nursing career at Rutland Sanatorium where she received her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse after being a tuberculosis patient herself. She practiced nursing in Rutland for 37 years, retiring as a nursing supervisor and president of the local union at Rutland Heights Hospital. After retiring from nursing, Therese attended Harvard University’s Trade Union Program and received her certification in union negotiations and was hired as a staff representative for the AFSCME Council 93 (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees), a position she held until from 1983 until her last retirement in 2000. She was a faithful member of St. Christopher’s Church in Worcester, as well as its Retiree’s Club. Therese also belonged to the AFSCME Retirees Association. Therese’s passions in life were her church, collecting Hummel figurines and spending time with family. She traveled extensively in her lifetime including trips throughout Europe and the United States. She particularly enjoyed traveling with members of the local Hummel Club to Germany and many destination with her family and friends. Therese endured many hardships in her life including the untimely death of her husband, Richard and her daughter, Ann Marie. She persevered- embracing her grandchildren, her faith community and her career. Her husband of over 10 years, Richard Murphy passed away in 1973. She will be affectionately missed and remembered by her five grandchildren, Kenneth W. Gordon of Worcester; Sean M. Gordon, his wife, Akemi, and their children, Therese and Tenichi of Paulsbo, Washington; Michael R. Gordon and his fiancé, Amee of Annapolis, Maryland; Elizabeth T. Gordon-Hughes, her wife Belinda and their son, Seamus, of Lunenburg; and Patricia M. Morton, her husband Rodney and their children, Sean, Kalen and Kaitlynn, of Columbus, Ohio; a son-in-law, Kenneth M. Gordon and his wife, Judith of Lunenburg; as well as nephews and nieces. Besides her husband, she is predeceased by her daughter, Ann Marie Gordon; a brother, Warren Macgillivray; and a sister, Mary Freeman.Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Therese’s family from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday, August 23, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Thursday, August 24, at St. Christopher’s Church, 950 West Boylston St., Worcester. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Therese’s name to St. Christopher’s Church 950 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit our "Guest Book" here on our page.