Obituary of Mary Murphy
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Murphy, at Mont St. Joseph Home (MSJ), in Prince Albert, SK, on December 23, 2023, at the age of 91.
Mary was born on the family homestead at Preeceville, SK, on August 21, 1932, to Anne and William Shtuka. She was the second of ten children, with four brothers and five sisters. Their parents instilled in them a respect for the earth, the land, and of life, and the importance of supporting one another.
Mary’s goal was to become a teacher, finishing Teacher’s College in 1953. The next ten years in education took her to smaller centers in Saskatchewan and Alberta, meeting and marrying fellow teacher, Gerald Murphy, in 1962.
Mary, a loving mother of four, encouraged and never pushed our involvement in music, sports, art, and school activities, as she fully supported our choices.
For Mary, nature and love of the land continued to be shown in large vegetable, fruit, and flower gardens and by involving her family in berry and mushroom picking and by exploring local trails and lakes. The Sunday drive usually involved a picnic lunch.
Mary’s life was full and well lived, until dementia affected her in later years. She is remembered as enjoying coffee with friends, keeping up with the news in the paper and television, walking Diego, enjoying her sewing and being involved with her grandchildren and encouraging them to paint, colour, and paste their artwork all around her home. Mom had a genuine can-do spirit, always willing to try out new things, generally succeeding or excelling at them. Be it taking on the challenge of tiling a tub surround, overcoming a fear and learning how to swim, or tackling furniture reupholstering to “spruce things up”, no challenge was too big or too small. After Mary became a resident at MSJ, Gerald and faithful dog Diego continued to visit until Gerald’s passing.
Mary is lovingly remembered by her children, Donna (Gord), Greg (Frances), John (Michele), and Barb (Darren). Many memories of Grandma will be cherished by grandchildren, Suraya (Sid), Marissa, James, Kyler, Duncan, Lauren (Evan), Erin, Dylan, Liam, Cormic, Bennett, Keira, Jack, and Sam. Mary is survived by her loving siblings, Olive, Steve, Michael, Peter, Roseann, and Sonia.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Gerald of 59 years in 2021; her sisters, Pauline and Helen; and brother, Fred.
Thank you to the staff at MSJ, Mary’s home for over ten years, for their care and compassion.
In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made in Mary’s name to a charity of the donor’s choice.
A private family Interment will occur at a later date.
Mary, we love you and will
miss you dearly
Rest in peace
Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Tracy-Lynn Lenchuk, Funeral Director, and Jolissa Trudel, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322
