Bridget A. Murphy

Bridget A. Murphy, 51 of Methuen passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025 surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on August 4, 1973, in Methuen, she was the daughter of Ellen (Bernal) Murphy and the late Joseph Murphy. Bridget graduated from North Andover High School in 1991 and went on to earn her cosmetology license from Essex Agricultural School. She worked as a hairstylist before shifting her career to Early Childhood Education, where she made a lasting impact. For over 15 years, she worked at Knowledge Beginnings in Tewksbury and, most recently, served as an Instructional Coach at Bright Horizons in Lexington, where she mentored and inspired countless teachers.

Bridget had a gift for brightening up any room she entered, thanks to her radiant smile and infectious laughter. Outside of her career, she enjoyed bringing joy to others, often surprising children in the neighborhood with Boo baskets for Halloween and homemade treats during the holidays. She took great pride in creating memorable holidays and parties; always making sure her family felt special. Bridget had a love for documenting life’s precious moments, from scrapbooking family adventures to capturing photos of the ones she loved. Her two sons, Ricky Bengtson and JC Bengtson, were the center of her world and her love for them was immeasurable.

Bridget is survived by her mother, Ellen Bernal and her husband Les of Methuen, her sons, Ricky Bengtson of Los Angeles, CA, and JC Bengtson of Wilmington, MA, her adopted son, Justin Strong of Arlington, MA, her mother-in-law, Collie Rivella and her husband Leon of Chelmsford, MA and her siblings, Shannon Ploude and her husband Tom of Methuen, Dawn Scanlon and her husband Bill of Palm Coast, FL, Melissa Morgan and her husband Bruce of Raymond, NH, Megan Murphy of Manchester, NH, and Sean Shisko and his fiancé Tracy of Manchester, NH. She also leaves behind her stepmother, Tammy Murphy of Manchester, NH, and many nieces and nephews who brought joy to her life, including Jacqueline, Amelia, Caitlin, Erin, Lexi, Aeris, Jimmy, Kevin, Sean Jr., and great-nephews Liam and Colin. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard Bengtson, and her father, Joseph Murphy.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday February 16, 2025 from 3 pm to 6 pm at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home 80 Broadway, Methuen. A Funeral Mass will be on Monday February 17 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish at St Theresa Church, 22 Plymouth Street, Methuen. (guests are asked to meet directly at the church). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. To leave an online condolence, please visit Bridget’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com.

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