WEST HARTFORD - Sister Kathleen Murphy (Sister Mary Karen) of the Sisters of Mercy died Thursday, June 4, 2009, at Hartford Hospital. Sister Kathleen was born Jan. 7, 1926, in Torrington, daughter of the late Thomas and Elizabeth (White) Murphy. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Madison, Sept. 8, 1950, and professed her religious vows on June 29, 1953. Upon completion of her degree in education, Sister taught in several schools throughout the Archdiocese of Hartford, including both St. Margaret and Sacred Heart, Waterbury; St. Mary, Derby where she also served as Principal; and St. Joseph, Meriden where she ministered for 19 years as teacher and later as volunteer support staff. Sister Kathleen continued her volunteering into her retirement, visiting and knitting prayer shawls for the sick and homebound. Sister was an excellent teacher, kind and thoughtful, outgoing and very prayerful. A "die-hard" Red Sox and UConn Women's basketball fan, she also enjoyed Bingo and Wii Bowling! Sister Kathleen is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Gertrude and Martin Corrodo, and her niece, Patricia Shuhi, all of Torrington; a grandniece and grandnephew; several cousins; and her Sisters of Mercy family, especially her dearest friend, Sister Helen Catherine Ruane. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at St. Mary Home Chapel, 2021 Albany Ave., West Hartford. Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m. preceding the funeral Mass. Burial will take place on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in St. Mary Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in Sister Kathleen's memory are asked to consider the Sisters of Mercy, 55 East Cedar St., Newington, 06111. Taylor and Modeen Funeral Home has care of arrangements.