East Ridge Principal Loses Battle Against Cancer

East Ridge Elementary School Principal Stacy Murphy passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 21 after more than a year-long battle with cancer. She was 48.

"Stacy Murphy had a smile that could light the world. She was a wonderful person who served her family, her school and her community with grace and humility,” said Kathleen Poole, assistant superintendent of elementary education at Northshore School District. “We will miss her dearly.”

Principal Murphy was devoted to the East Ridge community.  She was known as a fair-minded leader who was focused on students. Under her leadership, East Ridge earned a Washington Achievement Award for overall excellence in both 2009 and 2010. Murphy  was skilled at developing collaborative relationships with staff members and families.

The following is a message posted by her family on her Caring Bridge Web page:

“We want to thank you for all of your support this last year and a half. Your love and prayers through this tough time have been so heartwarming.

 We want to let you know that Stacy is resting peacefully now with God. She passed away on the evening of February 21, 2011. She was surrounded by her loving family and we were happy she was no longer in pain. Please keep praying for us and all whose lives she touched.

 This will be the final entry outlining Stacy's fierce battle. She was a remarkably strong woman, and an even better mother and wife.”

A special memorial service for families and the school community is being planned; more information to come as it is received. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

Richard Ito will continue to serve as interim principal at East Ridge through the remainder of the school year.

“Her passing affects the entire school community and beyond,” said Ito. “Thank you for your cooperation, continued support, and compassion for our East Ridge school community.”

Murphy was a principal in Northshore School District for eight years, serving as principal of Westhill Elementary School from 2003-2007 and principal at East Ridge since 2007. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Washington State University in 1985 and her master’s degree from Central Washington University and principal credentials in 2002.