Sara Ann Murphy MSW, R-LCSW, of Tonawanda, NY, formerly of Bradford, entered eternal life on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Father Baker Manor, in Orchard Park, NY.

She entered earthly life on March 5, 1939, in Punxsutawney, she was a daughter of the late Francis P. and Frances (Behan) Murphy.

Sara was a 1957 graduate of St. Bernard School, she graduated from St. Marys of the Woods, in Terre Haute, IN with a Bachelors of Science degree in Socialology in 1961, and a MSW in Clinical Social work from the University of Buffalo Graduate School of Social Work in 1968.

She started her career as a Girl Scout coordinator of Western Pennsylvania, and 41 years at Catholic Charities in Buffalo, NY, retiring as Regional Supervisor of Early School Intervention and Dropout Services. She also served as a Clinical Consultant for Hospice of Western New York and volunteered with the Women’s Respite Program.  She earned the University of Buffalo Social worker of the Year in 1993.

Sara loved her family, friends, colleagues, so very much as well as her ministry as a social worker and parish member at St. Leo the Great Church, in Amherst NY, where she was a Lector and Eucharist Minister. She volunteered at the Women’s Respite Program.

Our Lord and the Blessed Mother were her number ones, as well as her
beloved Ireland. Sara rejoiced in her years of great friendship with her classmates and so enjoyed their company and greeting cards throughout the years.

Mary Kienzle helped care for Sara these recent years at their home and at Father Baker Manor.

Surviving is one brother, Larry P. (Darri) Murphy, of Toledo, OH, one niece, Kat (Ralph) Ludwig, one nephew, Timothy (Rick Swartz) Murphy, one cousin, Bill (Lynn) Kroah, and Mary E. Kienzle, of Tonawanda, NY.

Family will receive friends on Friday March 8, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM in St. Bernard Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with Rev. Leo Gallina retired Pastor of St. Bernard Church as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Women’s Respite Program care of Sr. Diane Gianadda, OSF. 1301 Ferry Avenue, Niagara Falls NY,14301.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com