This month we are pleased to introduce you to the Murphy-Costanzos: Olivia, Alexis, Avery and their mom, Eileen Murphy. Not only is 
Eileen a single mom, but she’s a cancer survivor and the Principal of one of our local high schools. She’s been teaching her daughters how to build each other up and support each other’s dreams. There is plenty of female empowerment going on in the Murphy-Costanzo house!
Eileen grew up in Broomall with her parents and older brother and sister. Both her parents are from Southwest Philadelphia and they eventually made their way to Delaware County, first settling in Glenolden. When Eileen was six years old they moved to Broomall and she began attending St. Anastasia School. Eileen is also a Cardinal O’Hara High School alum. Back then, if she wasn’t spending time with friends or reading, she was actively involved in her school’s activities like the yearbook, student council and the band.
For as far back as she can remember she wanted to be a teacher. Many of her summers were spent as a camp counselor including at local camps like Arrowhead and ESF. “I always loved working with kids!” Eileen explained. After high school she pursued a degree in English and secondary education at St. Joseph’s University.
Eileen didn’t start teaching right away. Her early professional career was in Project Management, but she soon realized she wanted to pursue her passion, which was education. So, she returned to school to earn a Master’s in Education from Cabrini College and then a certificate in School Management and Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Eileen’s first job in the education field was as an Instructor at Computer Learning Centers Inc. And for several years she was also an adjunct professor in West Chester University’s Department of Professional and Secondary Education. Later she became the high school Principal of 21st Century Cyber Charter School in Downingtown, PA, an experience that prepared her well for the virtual learning brought on by the pandemic.
For the past eight years, Eileen has been the Principal of her alma mater, Cardinal O’Hara High School. Eileen said that she loves working with the students and staff there. “There is something really special about being the Principal where you went to school,” said Eileen. “And many of the staff are even O’Hara grads.”
Although being a Principal is a 24-7 job, Eileen said that she loves supporting her three daughters in following their dreams, and she can even do so through her office window. All three of her daughters were active in the Catholic Community Choir (CCC), which operates out of Cardinal O’Hara. Her twin daughters Olivia and Alexis worked at CCC’s camp for seven years and her youngest daughter Avery has participated in CCC’s theater program for over 10 years.
Olivia (Liv) and Alexis (Lexi) are currently seniors at Penn State University (PSU). Eileen says Liv is funny, supportive and just fun to be around. She is studying corporate innovation and planning to move to the Washington D.C. area after she graduates from PSU this Spring. Her hard-working, generous and kind twin sister Lexi is earning her degree in Psychology. After graduation, she plans to earn her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania.
Both girls are Marple Newtown High School grads, where they started the school’s first mini-THON, a dance marathon to raise money for pediatric cancer. Their decision to start THON there was a personal one as they’d already had two friends who had been diagnosed with cancer. When they were seniors, cancer hit close to home when Eileen was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Getting involved with THON was one of the main reasons the girls chose Penn State,” said Eileen. During their time there Lexi served as the Communications Director and Liv was the rules and regulations Fundraising Director. “Being a THON member really changed my college experience,” said Lexi. “It connected me with other students with a similar mission.”
This past year’s THON raised $219 million and Eileen got to be there to experience it and see her girls in action. “Avery and I attended THON this year and were blown away by the passion of the PSU students,” said Eileen, proudly. “Obviously, we are big fans of Liv and Lexi already, but seeing them accomplish so much in the fight against pediatric cancer was awe-inspiring.”
The twin’s younger sister Avery is a loyal, funny and kind 15-year-old. A freshman at Cardinal O’Hara, she loves musical theater, playing 
guitar and piano and Harry Styles. She’s been actively involved in choir and theater since she was young and has been in 32 theatrical performances in eight years. This past year, Avery got her dream role in Catholic Community Choir’s Matilda Jr, where she got to play Ms. Honey. She also serves as a Lion Ambassador at O’Hara, which entails volunteering in the Admissions and Advancement Offices to represent the school. Lion Ambassadors provide tours, coordinate events and assist with social media and photography, as well as write articles.
When it comes to their service to others and their ability to pursue their dreams, Liv, Lexi and Avery credit Eileen. “Our mom has inspired us since we were young, by consistently overcoming every challenge she faced,” said Olivia. “We are astounded by the woman she is and hope to grow up to be like her someday.”
For the past 13 years, Eileen and her daughters have lived in the Langford Hills neighborhood. “Our neighbors are the best,” said Eileen. “It’s a peaceful neighborhood and so close to everything in our community. We are so lucky!” They’ve also got plenty of family nearby. Both of Eileen’s siblings and their families live in Broomall and her parents live just down the road in Newtown Square. Eileen said that her daughters are also lucky to be part of the Media community, where their dad and step-mom and step-sisters live.
For Eileen and the girls, what is so special about the Marple community is that they really support each other, no matter what your situation. She learned that firsthand when she was diagnosed with cancer four years ago. “I was so grateful to have the support of my family and wonderful friends from the O’Hara, Marple, St. Pius X Parish and Broomall communities,” said Eileen. Four years later Eileen is cancer free and will not forget the way people came together for her. “The generosity was overwhelming!”
As a single mom, Eileen said it’s nice to know there is always someone looking out for you. “In my neighborhood, there is always someone offering to help with just about everything,” she said. “There is a population of single women here who are so inclusive. Although I’ve always been lucky to have my family around, it’s nice to be around something so special.”
As Lexi and Liv get ready to graduate from college this spring and start the next phase of their lives, Eileen says she cherishes the time they spend together. This summer they’ll likely spend time in Sea Isle City, where her brother Joe owns a home. Here in Broomall, they’ll hit their favorite local spots like Mrs. Marty’s Deli or P.J. Whelihans. “It doesn’t really matter what we’re doing when the girls and I are together,” said Eileen. “We’re always having fun!”
Do you know a Marple family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.