Dear UUCP Community,
We are saddened to inform you of the passing of beloved long-time member Ellie Murphy. Ellie died on Wednesday morning, June 4, at the Beatitudes Campus. She was 98 years old.
Ellie joined UUCP in 1977, and was always an active part of our community as both a lay member and staff. She served as our church administrator from 1977 to her retirement in 1991—a total of 14 years! She also became the first salaried administrator for the national Association of UU Administrators and helped grow that organization from 20 to 150 members. She played a major role in developing the first Guidebook for UU Administrators that was very helpful and popular among UU congregations. In 2001, she took up the role of editing and producing the weekly printed Order of Service for UUCP, and also helped staff the office before and after Sunday services.
Ellie Murphy and Ellie Anderla co-facilitated one of our small group ministries at the Beatitudes Campus, providing connection and support to many UUs who lived there over the past few decades. And she was always one of the people that could help answer any question about UUCP history and archives. Ellie’s wisdom, guidance, gentle spirit and humor will be fondly remembered as she transitions from elder to ancestor.