Friends, colleagues remember Mary Murphy – Duluth News Tribune

DULUTH — Friends and colleagues took to social media to remember Mary Murphy upon news of her death Wednesday. Murphy was the longest serving female legislator and the second longest serving member of the Minnesota House.

Murphy died aged 85 on Christmas Day, just days after suffering

a stroke

.

House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Fridley) announced Murphy’s death in a Facebook post, saying, “She was a state representative and a wonderful human being. So many people will miss and fondly remember her and her accomplishments.”

“Mary was in many ways ahead of her time and was often the only woman at the table in northern Minnesota,” U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in a statement. “That has now changed because of his innovative legacy.”

Murphy was first elected to serve House District 14B from 1977-1982 and went on to serve District 8A from 1983-2002, District 6B from 2003-2012, and District 3B from 2013-2022.

In 2022, Murphy lost the District 3B race against the Republican

Natalie Zeleznikar

with only 33 votes.

Zeleznikar, who retained her seat in the 2024 election, expressed her condolences in a Facebook post, writing, “Mary worked hard for northern Minnesota, a place she called home her entire life. Her dedication, service and hard work can be seen in the many projects in the communities she has served. I was honored to know her and work with her on senior care issues during my years as a nursing home administrator.”

A graduate of Hermantown High School, Murphy earned a bachelor’s degree in history and economics from the College of St. Scholastica and attended graduate school at several universities.

Before retiring from the classroom in 1997, Murphy also served as a history and social studies teacher at Central High School in Duluth for more than three decades, a career that Klobuchar cited in her tribute.

“As a former teacher, she was a strong advocate for improving the education of our children and also fought to protect victims of domestic violence and stalking,” Klobuchar’s statement said.

Murphy supported programs such as Head Start and DARE, as well as initiated legislation to fund statewide juvenile correctional facilities.

Last January, the St. Louis have honored Murphy by renaming the Environmental Trust Fund in her honor.

After working alongside Murphy during the 2010 redistricting process, the deputy mayor of St. Paul Jaime Tincher commented: “Mary didn’t raise her voice, she didn’t get involved in political fights. Instead, she led with the quiet strength of earned confidence and deep credibility. Her effectiveness was rooted in the respect she built over decades of service and her ability to bring people together in ways that made them feel heard and valued, regardless of their political affiliation. “

During Murphy’s time in the House, she chaired several committees, including the Judiciary Finance, Ethics, Energy and State Government and Veterans Affairs committees.

“As Chair of Liaison and later of the Ways and Means Committee, she demonstrated an unwavering dedication to institutional support, always willing to offer her wisdom and advice on how best to approach the Zoo’s financial needs.” , state Rep. John Huot (DFL). -Rosemount) posted on Facebook.

“Mary was an outstanding legislator and a compassionate friend and mentor to many,” state Rep. Jay Xiong (DFL-St. Paul) said in a Facebook post. “Her unwavering commitment to her community and tireless advocacy for those in need have left an indelible mark on our state. Mary’s legacy will continue to inspire us all as we strive to uphold the values ​​she stood for.”

Murphy left a legacy of advocacy for women’s rights, health care, criminal justice, and labor and advocacy issues.

Governor Tim Walz spoke of Murphy as a “true champion for the Northland” in his Facebook post and said “Gwen (his wife) and I send our love to her family.”