Obituary of Mary Catherine Murphy

Mary Catherine Murphy (LeBlanc)

(1932 – 2024)

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and wonderful friend to all who knew her on September 11, 2024 at the Aberdeen Hospital, Palliative Care Unit with family by her side.  Mary was born November 11, 1932 in Belle Côte, Cape Breton, NS to the late John P. and Margaret (Chiasson) LeBlanc and finally settled in Rockfield, NS where she lived with her husband and brought up six children, and countless beloved pets over the past 58 years. 

Mary was the last surviving member of her immediate family and was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 63 years Dennis Albert Murphy, daughter in infancy, sisters Louise Cormier and Adelaide Deveau, and several brother and sister-in-laws.  

Mary was a homemaker on the farm in Rockfield, NS where she welcomed many friends and family to enjoy her biscuits and sweets with a cup of tea, to partake in a friendly game of scrabble, which she (almost) always won, or to sit by the window to chat and watch the birds.  Mary’s favorite book was a cookbook as she always loved to try new and unique recipes.  Mary has passed down the joy of cooking and baking to her children and grandchildren and was always there to provide support and direction when meals were not turning out according to the recipe.  Mary was also an active member with the CWL at the Holy Name Parish for 37 years.

Mary and Dennis both had a love for music, especially Cape Breton jigs and reels, and regularly attended Wednesday music nights in Durham, where they made many wonderful friends, and they rarely missed a night! After Dennis’ passing, she continued to attend the music nights.  Mary also enjoyed the company of the many common and not-so-common species of birds on the farm; she made sure they all got fed every day and would sit and watch them by the kitchen window. 

Mary is survived by her three sons; George (Patsy) Murphy, Fredericton, Shawn Murphy, Rockfield, Darryl (Shannan) Murphy, Dartmouth; three daughters Denise (Roger) Aucoin, Port Carling, Ontario, Catherine (Bob) DeRabbie, Canso, Carolyn (John) Rivers, Abercrombie; Seventeen grandchildren; Allison, Jenny (Brandon), Amy (Mike), Mariah (Peter), Ryan, Shalyn, Marissa (Jeff), Nathan (Christine), Alicia (Ryan), Jeremy (Michelle), Tanner (Andrea), Hayden, Brenna (Dallas), Allie (Mat), Lyndsey (Jamie), Garrett (Diane), Monica; Eleven great-grandchildren; Seth, Olivia, Maryonna, Charli Rose, Emmy, Coby, Isabelle, Mason, Hali, Norah, Anna; and sister- and brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mary looked forward to her yearly summer trip to Belle Côte to visit with her nieces and nephews: Johnny (Linda), Junior (Cecile), Herman, Lucy (Lawrence), Ella (Frank), Jordon, Ann (Ross) and John Paul (Cheryl) where she always enjoyed the good food, music, and memories of home.

Mary lived in a close-knit community and had wonderful neighbors throughout her life, that would regularly drop in for a visit and check in on her.  Michelle pampered Mary with monthly beauty salon days and played scrabble with her on Tuesday nights, Marybelle visited weekly with a delicious meal, and Archie and Ruby were always there whenever needed.  

The family would like to thank the Nursing Staff of 4 North along with the Nursing Staff of the Palliative Care Unit for the wonderful care of our mother.  A special thank you to the VON Care Workers for the many weekly visits. Last, but certainly not the least, thank you to Cathy, a special friend and caregiver, who always brightened Mary’s days with good food, puzzles, and great conversation – Mary and her family loved and cherished every moment of your kindness and friendship.

Visitation will take place Sunday, September 15th, from 2 – 4pm and 6 – 8pm at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville, NS. The funeral will be celebrated Monday, September 16th at 11am in Holy Name Church, Westville, NS with Father Peter MacDonald officiating.  Interment will be in the Heatherdale Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Holy Name Parish, Pictou County Chapter of the VON, Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care, or to a charity of your choice.

“Mom’s greatest joys in life were enjoying time with family and friends and the love of music.”