(715) 243-5252 |
Carol Ann Murphy, age 80 of River Falls, WI, died on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the River Falls Area Hospital in River Falls, WI. Carol was born the daughter of Clinton and Marguerite (McMahon) Racine on March 31, 1945, in St. Paul, MN. She grew up in the Highland Park neighborhood, graduating from Visitation School with the class of 1963. She attended St. Catherine University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1967. After graduation, Carol taught at Eastern Heights Elementary in St. Paul. A cherished memory from that time was a summer traveling in Europe with her close friends. Carol met James Murphy in 1969 through mutual friends. They were married on August 1, 1970, at St. Leo Catholic Church in St. Paul, MN. They settled in River Falls, WI in 1973. Carol focused on raising their young family until all the children started school. She then went back to the classroom as a teacher at St. Bridget Parish School in River Falls, where she taught from 1984 until 2010. Carol was an active member of St. Bridget Catholic Church and the River Falls community throughout the years. She valued spending time with her family and friends. Carol was always interested in listening to others and learning about them and their lives. She enjoyed making friends and stayed close to those friends throughout her life. She defined the word Mom and supported her children in all their activities, as well as her grandchildren. Carol and Jim’s marriage was a blessing to them and their family. She was strong and resilient, generous, and very considerate of others. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clinton and Marguerite Racine, and her husband, James Murphy. Carol is survived by her children, Patrick (Summer Stephens) Murphy, John Murphy, and Meghan (Nathan) Mackey; grandchildren, Angus Murphy, and Harper Mackey; brother, Clint (Gloria); sister, Helen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Saint Bridget Parish School.
Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11 am at St. Bridget Catholic Church 211 E Division Street River Falls, WI. Visitation was also on Saturday from 9-11 am at the church. Interment was in St. Bridget’s Cemetery. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Carol’s love for the Lord was lived out in her love for others.
13 Comments
Carol was wonderful teacher at St. Bridget’s school. She taught all of my children. God Bless the Murphy family.
My family was also fortunate to have Carol teach our children at St.Bridgets. She was a fantastic first grade teacher and a lovely person. My condolences to the Murphy Family, Carol will be missed.
All of us at kinnic were happy to care for carol.rip
My sympathies to the Murphy families. Carol was so kind and considerate, she will be missed by many. RIP Carol and say hi to all those who are greeting you in heaven from us here on earth.
Carol was the poster child for kindness. We will miss her dearly but rejoice knowing that she is reunited with Jim and is living pain-free with our Lord and Savior. The world could use a lot more people like Carol.
On behalf of our whole family, I offer our condolences to you.
We all appreciated Carol/”Mrs. Murphy” so much. We couldn’t have wished for a better first grade teacher for our children. Thank you, thank you, Carol!!!
You were one of those people who made me feel at home in the world. Even decades after my children left your classroom, you were asking me about each of them, and happy to hear details of their adventures. I actually trust that you will hold each of them in your care all their lives: the Communion of Saints is such❤️ We’re not alone. Thank you for being “a gentle presence in a violent world” (motto of the Visitation Sisters in North Minneapolis.
Carol was a very Sweet lady and will be missed
I was so fortunate to have Carol as a co-worker at St Bridget’s! She taught me so much about teaching and life! She was so thoughtful and sweet! I loved all of our chats before school! She was a great listener and always showed such interest in your life! Carol and I share the same birthday and that was a special connection we shared! She was a beautiful gift to me and anyone who encountered her! She will be missed greatly! Sending many prayers to the family!
I’m sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. I always enjoyed the opportunity to visit with her when our daughters were involved in high school activities. She was a grand lady and will be missed by all who knew her. The Lord had blessed her and reunited her with Jim. My condolences to the entire family.
Carol was such an example to me of strength, perseverance, gentleness, kindness and interest in others. Others Lord yes others , let this my motto be . That I may for others that I may live like Thee. She surely embraced this. She and I go way back to Eastern Heights Elementary she teaching first grade and I third. My husband and I introduced Carol and Jim, my Jim’s boyhood friend. Life is so short but eternity is forever. Praise God.
Carol has been a long time friend since meeting at St Kate’s College. Sometimes family gatherings, sometimes dinner with our Jim’s and sometimes luncheons. My heartfelt prayers for the family. ❤️
Carol was one of the “grand ladies” of St. B’s that I admired and looked up to ever since we moved here. She was a wonderful teacher of our daughter as well. We will miss her.
I will miss my encounters with Carol. Both she and Jim share in my memories, and in the history of River Falls. May God bless you, their progeny.
Add Comment