It is with gratitude that we honor the life of Sheila Murphy, a founding board member of Mary’s Pence, who passed away on February 4 at the age of 87. Sheila was a force for justice and a compassionate advocate for the marginalized. She dedicated her life to uplifting those struggling with the justice system.
Sheila’s remarkable career spanned decades of service as a Cook County public defender, a private criminal defense attorney, and Cook County’s first female presiding judge.
Those who knew Sheila best will remember her not just for her long list of accomplishments but for her deep empathy and commitment to justice. She was horrified by the juvenile detention system and, on occasion, took young people into her own home to prevent them from being incarcerated.
Her passion for justice extended beyond the courtroom. Sheila’s work in restorative justice at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Law School transformed the lives of both students and the communities they served. She co-edited books, mentored young legal minds, and led initiatives that created safe spaces for children in courthouses. She was a pioneer in community treatment courts and played a key role in the abolition of the death penalty in Illinois.
At Mary’s Pence, we are forever grateful for Sheila’s vision, dedication, and belief in the power of grassroots action. Her legacy will live on in our work and the lives she changed. May she rest in peace, and may her spirit continue to guide us in our mission.
Sheila’s Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Visitation: Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 3-8p at Donnellan Funeral Home 10525 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60643
Funeral Mass: Wednesday Feb. 12th, 10am at St. Barnabas Catholic Church 10134 S Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60643