Barbara Jane Murphy Edlund

On August 24th, 2025, Barbara Jane Edlund passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior with her husband and two dear friends at her side. Barbara was 81 and was predeceased by her parents John C and Marie Murphy, and her younger sister, Patricia Ahern.

Barb was an Army Brat living in many places growing up, but home was always where her family resided. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Alexandria, VA and after graduation entered the Order of the Sisters of the Holy Cross at Notre Dame University. In her sixth year as a nun, she began to question if that was where God wanted her to be and prayed continually for a sign. On a retreat in Colorado, she awoke one morning with such incredible peace, a peace she never experienced again, and knew that she could leave the cloistered life.

She returned home to Maryland and finished her studies to become an RN at The University of Maryland and after graduation she accepted a position in the ICU at University of Maryland Hospital. In 1971 she met her husband to be, Bill, on a blind date arranged by her roommate. She was married in August of that year and took up residence in Fairfax, Virginia beginning her teaching career at Alexandria Hospital.

In 1973, Bill was transferred to Rochester, NY and Barb joined the nursing faculty at The University of Rochester after getting her Master’s degree in Medical Surgical Nursing, as well as becoming a Nurse Practitioner. She and Bill spent 7 years in Rochester and Barb wore out at least two electric blankets during that time.

While in Rochester, Barb and Bill’s favorite vacation spot was Hilton Head Island, SC and they loved the South. They spent time in Savannah and at the suggestion of former neighbors from Fairfax who were native Charlestonians, also spent time in Charleston. They moved to Charleston in 1980 with Barb finding employment at the MUSC College of Nursing and Bill making a career change to Commercial Real Estate with the Max Hill Company. They moved to Seabrook Island where they lived for 10 years and joined the Episcopal Church of Our Savior, a very important event in Barb’s life.

In 1984, Barb and Bill were blessed with a son, Bret, another important event. She continued to teach at MUSC and during the late 80’s and early 90’s commuted to USC in Columbia, while working full time, to earn her PhD in Public Health with her boys managing at home. She spent 38 years in the College of Nursing, always giving her time and talent generously to the university. She received many awards but the one she was most proud of was the University-wide Distinguished Service Award voted on by her peers which included a $3,000 stipend. She retired as Professor Emerita on July 1st, 2018. She was respected by her peers and loved by her students.

Barb’s faith was a very important part of her life – she loved the Lord and lived her life accordingly. She was a giver, always thinking of others and willing to help regardless of her circumstances. She also used her medical training to help many friends with their medical issues. Bard just loved everyone, and they loved her right back.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. James Anglican Church, 1101 Camp Road, James Island, SC at 11am on Saturday, September 13th.

Memorial gifts may be sent to St. James Anglican Church. 1101 Camp Road, James Island.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr Inc. – Downtown Chapel.