Molly Murphy

Molly Murphy, also known as Mary Margaret, was born in Chicago, IL on April 28th, 1962 and grew up in Duluth, MN. After going to Duluth East High school, she moved to New Mexico and lived there for 20 yrs. There she met Mike Davis, her husband who was her life love and soul mate. Mike passed in 2003.

Molly earned a double major in Psychology and Anthropology and a minor in American Indian Studies from the University of Duluth-MN. She graduated with the highest of honors and was granted membership into the Phi-Kappa-Phi Honor Society. She then went on to earn her masters in Holistic Psychology at Leslie University in Cambridge, MA.

In 2005 Molly began working at Mash-ka-wisen Treatment Center (Mash). She transitioned from Counselor to Clinical Director in 2010. During her time at Mash she created and implemented the “Mash-ka-wisen Family Program” which allowed families to participate in the recovery process while enhancing prevention efforts within the Native American communities.

Molly was generous, compassionate and kind. She was an amazing storyteller, captivating her audience with wit and humor. She enjoyed cooking with friends and family, loved to play games and was a whiz at cribbage. She was our families treasure box, she kept us apprised of family birthdays and memorable events. She was the thread that wove our family together.

Molly passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her home in Cloquet, MN on December 24th, 2021. She is survived by her mother, Karla Ward; her three sisters, Robin, Erin and Colleen; and her three brothers, Russ, Pat and John. She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by our family, her friends, clients and co-workers and all those whose lives she touched over the years. We love you Molly.

There will be a Visitation beginning at 10:00am, with a Rosary at 10:30am and Requiem Mass at 11:00am on Wednesday, January 5th at Saint Benedict’s Catholic Church, 1419 St Benedict St, Duluth, MN 55811.

A Celebration of Molly’s Life will be held on Saturday, January 8th at 11:00am at the Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second Street, Duluth, MN. This event will be livestreamed on this website.

Below is the Bio for Molly, written by the Mash-ka-wisen team.

Molly started her calling with Mash-ka-wisen Treatment Center in 2005. She transitioned from Counselor to Clinical Director in 2010. Molly found her passion for grant writing when she created and established the “Mash-ka-wisen Family Program” which allows families to participate in the recovery process while enhancing prevention efforts within Native American communities. The program Molly developed helps families overcome barriers that make it difficult for them to participate in family sessions at Mash-ka-wisen.

Molly was a dedicated teacher. She co-facilitated several presentations for MARRCH (MN Association Resources for Recovery and Chemical Health) and MAIIADS (MN American Indian Institute of Alcohol and Drug Studies) and taught at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.

During Molly’s career, her dedication and passion for the people she served was always evident in all the work she did. Molly is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all of the clients she has served and all of the co-workers she has worked with and the lives she has touched over the last 16 years.