Viola Murphy

Viola “Vi” Bergstrom Murphy, 98, longtime resident of Winchester, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Born November 3rd, 1927 in Melrose, MA, she was the daughter of the late Yolande French and Andrew Bergstrom. Viola was raised in Stoneham during the Great Depression by her beloved grandmother, Sarah J. Hodges, whom she called her “angel.” Viola entered nursing school at 17 before serving as an Air Force flight nurse during the Korean War, eventually retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Her pioneering healthcare career spanned the front lines of 2 polio and AIDS epidemics, workmen’s compensation training at Liberty Mutual and a nurse for Malden schools. She took great pride in earning her nursing degree from Salem State in 1985.

In 1966, she married Richard “Dick” Murphy and moved to Winchester where she became a devoted stepmother. A true New Englander, she and Dick enjoyed sailing out of Gloucester. She was an avid fan of the Red Sox and New England Patriots. Viola was known as a person who remained a steadfast pillar for her family and community throughout her life.

Viola was predeceased by her husband Richard Murphy, twins Gloria, Pricilla, Harriman and Yolande and brother-in-law Jack Murphy. She is survived by her four stepsons: Rick (Linda Fitzgerald) of Plymouth, PJ (Jody) of Weymouth, Scott (Barbara) of Hingham; Bret (Kristin) of Sunset Beach, NC, her beloved sister-in-law Francis Murphy of Wakefield and nephews Paul, Jay, Chris and niece Shauna.

Viola was cherished as “Nana Boo” by her 8 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Brazilian Connection Home Health Care and to Tufts Hospice for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held at the McDonald-Finnegan-Anderson Funeral Home, 322 Main Street, Stoneham on Saturday, April 18th 10-11 AM followed by Funeral Service at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.