By

Eganville Leader


July 1, 2019

1788

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Murphy, Helen “Nancy” (nee Fraser). With profound sadness we announce that our dear mother and friend has died peacefully surrounded by her family at home in Peterborough, Ontario, on July 1, 2019, at 80 years of age. Daughter of the late Wallace J Fraser and Mary Warren of Pembroke, Ontario. Predeceased by her late husband, the Honourable Mr. Justice Samuel Houston Murphy, her brother James W Fraser, brother in law Carl Scheunemann and son in law Michael McGrattan. Loving mother of Alexander Fraser Murphy (Zanne) and her twin daughters, Erin Reid (Jamie) and Margaret McGrattan. Beloved Grandma to Sam McGrattan. Survived by her sisters Esther Flack (Jim), Margaret Scheunemann and sister in law Opal Murphy, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Nancy was born and raised on a farm on the outskirts of Pembroke, Ontario, a proud descendant of pioneer Canadian settlers. After graduating valedictorian of her high school class, she attended Victoria College at the University of Toronto. She graduated with a BA in 1960 majoring in Household Science. She received her teaching certificate from McArthur College of Education at Queen’s University. She began teaching Home Economics at Adam Scott Collegiate CVI in 1960 and later at St Peter’s in Peterborough. She was a woman of many talents, not the least were her culinary skills, but was a skilled seamstress, rug hooker and became a calligrapher. She and her late husband loved to travel, and she continued to travel throughout her life. She was an active volunteer including the University Women’s Club, the St Andrew’s UCW, the Mother’s Guild at LCS, the YWCA , the Peterborough Skating Club and, a lifelong patron of the arts, was a longtime member of the Peterborough Theatre Guild. She was an avid Bridge player and enjoyed the game socially and competitively. Our mother was a great friend to many people and a kind, loving and nurturing soul to her family and her friends. She loved to talk on the phone to hear all the news from her relatives and friends. She valiantly fought her cancer and maintained an active life right to end, keeping up with friends in her book clubs, her bridge friends, movie night gang and family. She never wanted to miss out on a party. She was a very dignified lady who taught us all to reach for our dreams and she supported us all in our ventures. But most of all, she truly loved her family, and enjoyed every occasion that her grandchild and children would spend with her, whether it be at a family meal, a shopping trip, or night out at the movies. The family wishes to thank Drs. Gibson, Beamish, Mui, and April Galachiuk for the care they provided in the last months of her life. Visiting will take place at the Ashburnham Funeral Home, 840 Armour Road, Peterborough, on Friday, July 12, 2019 from 5-8 pm and on Saturday, July 13, from 9-10 am. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at 10 am, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Breast Assessment Clinic would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made at www.AshburnhamFuneral.ca.