Bensalem School Principal Molly Murphy Quinn, 46, Dies After Health Battle, Leaving Her Daughter, Moira

A beloved educator known for her deep faith and joyful spirit leaves behind a daughter, parents, and a school community forever changed by her leadership

The St. Charles Borromeo School community in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, is grieving the sudden loss of its principal, Mrs. Molly Quinn, who passed away after a period of health struggles. She was 46 years old.

The news was confirmed by the parish pastor, Rev. Philip M. Forlano, in a letter addressed to school families.

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“It is with great sadness that I write to share the news of the death of our principal, Mrs. Molly Quinn,” Rev. Forlano wrote, describing her as not only a wonderful colleague but also a personal friend.

The announcement was further shared by the official St. Charles Borromeo Parish and School social media pages, drawing an outpouring of grief from faculty, parents, alumni, and the wider Catholic community.

Molly Murphy Quinn was a dedicated educator and school leader whose faith was visible in everything she did. A graduate of Holy Family University in Pennsylvania and LaSalle University, she also studied at Memorial University of Newfoundland and NUI Galway, reflecting a breadth of academic experience that shaped her thoughtful approach to Catholic education.

Before her role at St. Charles Borromeo, she served as an Assistant Principal at Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia, where she was remembered for her love of the school and her constant efforts to support its mission.

A Life Defined by Faith and Service

At St. Charles Borromeo, Quinn became known for her leadership, her warmth, and a spirit that touched students, parents, and staff alike. Rev. Forlano described her tenure as marked by deep faith and a joyful presence.

“I am so grateful for Mrs. Quinn’s leadership of our School and the witness of her deep faith and joyful spirit,” he wrote.

Her father, Bill Murphy, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, writing simply,

“Our dear Molly died yesterday. She was 46. Her mother and I are devastated. Her suffering is over and she is now at peace.”

Friends and community members flooded the post with messages of love and condolence, many calling her a shining light whose brightness touched everyone around her.

Quinn is survived by her daughter, Moira, her mother, Geraldine Murphy, an alumna of Little Flower Catholic High School, and her father, Bill Murphy. The family has requested that both the funeral Mass and viewing be held at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Bensalem.

Specific dates and times had not yet been confirmed at the time of this report, and the parish indicated that details would be distributed to the school community as soon as they became available.

Rev. Forlano said he would be working closely with Sister John and the Office for Catholic Education to carry forward Quinn’s work and preserve her legacy as the school moves into summer and prepares for the next school year.

The St. Charles Borromeo Parish asked members of the community to pray for the repose of Quinn’s soul and for comfort for her family, closing with the traditional Catholic prayer: Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.