Mary Ellen lead a somewhat sheltered life, never leaving her home state of New York. Despite this, many would say that Mary Ellen had the spirit of an adventurer. The new and different fascinated her, often living vicariously through her husband's stories.
Mary Ellen was a loving wife and would likely have been a doting mother. Although she typically had a soft-spoken nature, family friends were acutely aware of who the 'alpha' was in her marriage. Mary Ellen had little tolerance for trouble, and when she was unhappy she had no problem letting James know it.
Romantic Relationships
Mary Ellen Murphy fell in love with James at a young age, and never deviated from what she felt was her soulmate.