 Rep. Leon Lillie reads a House Resolution acknowledging the exceptional life and service of former Rep. Mary Murphy April 21 while members of Murphy’s family listen in the well of the House Chamber. (Photo by Andrew VonBank)
Former Rep. Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown) was a teacher whose life was a lesson.
After 12 years as a history and social studies instructor at Duluth Central High School, she decided to demonstrate to her students the essentials of government by running for the Minnesota House of Representatives, winning election in 1976, and continuing to teach until her 1997 retirement.
She became the House’s longest-serving woman and the state’s second-longest-serving legislator, her tenure stretching to 46 years. On Monday, Murphy — who died on Dec. 25, 2024, at age 85 — received tributes from several of her former House colleagues and a proclamation from Gov. Tim Walz.
“She’d be so proud of all the women and what they’ve done in this space,” said Rep. Leon Lillie (DFL-North St. Paul). “There weren’t even women’s bathrooms here when she started.”
With red carnations adorning many a desk in the chamber in honor of a representative who advocated for beautifying the space, members shared stories of Murphy before passing legislation recognizing one of her most passionate pursuits, renaming the state’s construction grant program for libraries in her honor.
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WATCH ▶️ House members pay tribute to the late Rep. Mary Murphy
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