House remembers former Rep. Mary Murphy, votes to rename library grant program in her honor

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.

For the traditional opening prayer, former Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL-Hibbing) read the Douglas Wood children’s book, “Old Turtle” — Murphy did the same in May of 2022 — before six members read a House resolution praising Murphy’s life and service.

House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) and Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) then presented a signed copy of the resolution to members of Murphy’s family before seven more legislators read a proclamation from Walz that similarly celebrated Murphy’s life and work and declared Monday as Mary Murphy Day in Minnesota.

Before passing the bill that would rename the state’s library construction grants program in Murphy’s honor by a 132-0 vote, several members shared fond memories of working with her, including some who thanked her for her mentorship.

“Mary the gardener taught us that you can’t be blown over by the wind in these spaces when your roots are planted really strong,” said Rep. Liish Kozlowski (DFL-Duluth).

Others praised her for crafting well-woven speeches that would always find their way back to her central point.

“Every story she told, we all walked away with a lesson, better for having listened,” said Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove).

“I always knew she was voting from her heart,” said Rep. Duane Quam (R-Byron). “And Mary had a true and wonderful heart.”