Kathleen Murphy Obituary

Kathleen A. Murphy

Chester, NH - Kathleen A. Murphy, of Chester, NH, a lifelong New Hampshire educator, dedicated leader, and loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 76.

Born on December 30, 1948, in Lawrence, MA, to Elizabeth and Alfred Collins, Kathy raised her family in Derry, NH, where she also began her career in education. She started as a classroom teacher at Grinnell Elementary School, later serving as their principal. She went on to serve as principal at Charles M. Floyd Elementary School, Gilbert H. Hood Middle School, and West Running Brook Middle School, all in Derry, as well as at the Candia Moore School in Candia, NH.

Kathleen advanced in leadership as Superintendent of Schools in Newmarket, Hampton, and most recently Concord, NH. She also served as Director of the Division of Instruction at the NH Department of Education, appointed by Gov. John Lynch to lead statewide programs in curriculum, special education, accountability, school health, and technology.

Her leadership and commitment to children and communities earned her the honor of NH Superintendent of the Year in 2017 from the NH School Administrators Association (NHSAA) and the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from the Derry Rotary Club.

Throughout her career, Kathleen dedicated herself to numerous statewide and community initiatives, lending her time and expertise to efforts that strengthened education, health, and social support systems across New Hampshire. She served on the NH Commission for Mental Health in Education, advised the NH Commissioner of Education, and chaired the Seacoast School of Technology Governing Board. She was a member of the Seacoast Learning Collaborative Governing Board, the NH Autism Council, and the NH Council for Chronically Ill Children and Adolescents and served on the Board of Directors for the Endowment for Health and Primex.

Two of Kathleen's most enduring commitments were to community Crossroads and the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3). For more than 30 years, she served on the Board of Directors at Community Crossroads (formerly Region Ten), advocating for individuals with disabilities and their families and helping to build more inclusive communities. She also devoted a decade of service to MIC3, where she was New Hampshire's State Commissioner and Chair of the National Training Committee, ensuring that military-connected children received consistent educational support as their families moved between duty stations.

Kathleen earned her B.S. in Education from Plymouth State University, M.S. in Educational Administration from Rivier College, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (hhC.A.G.S.) from the University of New Hampshire.

Outside of her professional life, Kathy enjoyed the beach as well as cross-country skiing in Waterville Valley, NH, and especially cherished attending the sporting events, performances, and activities of her grandchildren - and the many students she considered "her kids."

Kathy is predeceased by her husband Tom in February 2025, and her sister Maureen Collins. She is survived by her daughter Kate Minichiello and husband Phil of Merrimack, NH, and their children Andrew and Brielle; her son Dan Murphy and wife Kelly, and their children Sean and Erin; her siblings Michael Collins and his wife Laurie, Eileen Collins and her wife Sophie Drosinos, and Colleen Drugan and her husband Hank as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Kathleen Murphy Community Partnership Award Fund at Community Crossroads. This Award honors individuals whose leadership, actions, and collaborative spirit have strengthened community and fostered belonging for people of all abilities.

https://community-crossroads-nh.networkforgood.com/projects/19359-everyday-giving

In addition, a scholarship fund has been established in Kathleen's memory through Salem Co-operative Bank, 3 South Broadway, Salem, NH 03079.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 2 PM to 7 PM at Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Road, Salem, NH. Friends and guests are kindly asked to gather at the church on Friday morning.

Burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, 29 Barker Street, Lawrence, MA, where Kathy will be laid to rest with her husband, Tom.

To leave an online condolence, please visit Kathy's tribute page at www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com.