In Memoriam Sister Sherrey Murphy

Letter by Sister M. Margarete Ulager, General Superior of the Congregation of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis

Muenster/ Germany, January 8, 2026.

Dear Sisters,
Dear colleagues,
Dear friends,

Today, January 8, 2026, we received the sad news from Sister Maureen O’Connor, Superior of the U.S. Canonical House, that our dear Sister Sherrey Murphy, OSF, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at 8:20 a.m. (American time).

Only two months ago, at the beginning of November, we met Sister Sherrey in good health during the celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of the presence of our Sisters in the USA, as shown above in the photograph of all the Superiors of our international Congregation.

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Sister Sherrey.

Sister Sherrey spent 24 years in Germany, 12 years as General Councilor and 12 years as General Superior.

We are deeply grateful for the time we spent together, and for all she has done in her life, and as General Superior of our Congregation – for each individual Sister, for our international Congregation, and far beyond. May God reward her for all her goodness. Now, hidden in the mystery of eternity and close to God, she is surely a great intercessor for us.

We extend our heartfelt and deep sympathy to Sister Sherrey’s family, Sister Maureen O’Connor, Superior, all the Sisters of the U.S. Canonical House and the staff. We are certain that Christ, our Lord, stood at the sea shore of her life when Sister Sherrey embarked on her final journey. There, He surely welcomed her with wide, open arms. May Sister M. Sherrey rest in peace!

With love and deepest gratitude,

Sister M. Rita, Sister M. Lima, Sister M. Hiltrud, Sister M. Teresa, Sister M. Beata, Sister Christa Maria, Sister M. Laetitia, Father Michael Plattig, all the staff at the Generalate, Hildegard Benölken (Sister Sherrey’s long-time secretary) and

Sister M. Margarete Ulager
General Superior of the Congregation
of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis