Rita M. Murphy was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1912, to Edward Murphy and Mary Collins. She attended school at Sacred Heart Grammar School in Jersey City, graduated from St. Aloysuis Academy in 1930, and was one of the first female graduates from Seton Hall University (urban division) in 1937, earning her bachelor's and master's degrees.

Miss Murphy began her career as a teacher at Sacred Heart School in Newark, New Jersey. She then became an assistant professor of American History at Seton Hall University, as well as worked for the university's research department. In later years, she was a history teacher at Snyder High School and retired as the department chair.

Miss Murphy was an active member and enthusiast of the Irish community. She was among New Jersey television pioneers when she produced and narrated a live Irish television show, "Ireland's Heritage", on WAAT, channel 13 in Newark from 1955-1957. She also hosted a weekly radio program, "Pageant of Ireland", on WSOU from 1957-1994. In the 1950's and 1960's Miss Murphy was the chairman and director of the Institute of Irish Culture at Seton Hall University. In 1968, she earned the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice papal honor from the Archdiocese of Newark for her work in religious education.

Miss Murphy died in April 2003 at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey.