Selma F. Brophy

Selma F. Brophy, age 87, of Ripon, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Eden Vista
Assisted Living in Madison, WI. Selma was born on October 16, 1937 in Chicago, IL; the
daughter of Frank and Selma (Fregin) Johnsen. She graduated from Loyola University in
Chicago, IL with an MSN. She later graduated from UW-Madison with a PHD in Education. She
was a Nursing Professor for UW-Oshkosh for 28 years. She was a member of The Nursing Honor
Society, Sigma Theta Tau. She was Nurse of the Year and very involved for many years with the
WI Nurses Association.

Selma was united in marriage to James Brophy on August 18, 1961 in Chicago, IL. He preceded
her in death on May 1, 2005. She was a faithful member of St. Catherine of Siena Church for 45
years serving as a lector, cantor, and Eucharistic Minister. She took great pride in being an Altar
Server and training young Altar Servers. She sang with the Ripon College Choral Union for 30
years. She was an Oblate with Holy Wisdom Monastery in Madison. She enjoyed flowers and
gardening, cats, and reading. She was very active in her children’s lives.

Selma is survived by her children: Timothy (Lisa) Brophy of West Henrietta, NY, Edward Brophy
of Ripon, and Katherine (Marybeth Wilk) Brophy of Madison; 2 grandchildren: John and Jaine;
brother, Frank Johnsen Jr; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. She is preceded in
death by her parents; husband, James; and sister, Lois (Johnsen) Getty.

A Memorial Mass for Selma will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at St.
Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Ripon with Father Robert Fictum officiating. Family and
friends may visit at the church on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 9:00AM until the time of
the services. Interment will be held at a later date. Divine Passage Funeral Home in Ripon is
serving the family. Divinepassagefunerals.com

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