Irene Murray
1926-2022
Irene Blair Murray, age 96, of New Glasgow, passed away
peacefully at the Aberdeen Hospital on July 28, 2022.
Born in New Glasgow, Irene graduated from Acadia University
and went on to a varied and exciting career. Irene
first worked in Toronto for a news editor with the Toronto Star at the
same time as Ernest Hemmingway was a staff
writer. She then worked in
Ottawa where she was employed by the Foreign Service and the
Department of External Affairs. This included time
in London, with NATO in Belgium and at the Canadian Embassy in
Yugoslavia. While in Ottawa, Irene worked
for several members of the federal cabinet including Prime Minister
Lester B. Pearson and the Honourable Paul Martin
Sr. Irene was working in Ottawa during several
international events such as the Cuban Missile
Crisis.
After Irene’s career in external affairs, she
assisted in founding the Institute for Research on Public Policy, a
non-partisan research centre in Ottawa. Irene returned to New Glasgow
to care for her mother. While so doing, Irene
worked for the CNR, Maritime Steel and the Federal employment
office.
Irene was predeceased by her parents, Ethel
(«Essie») Blair and Wilfred Kingsley
(«Paddy») Murray; her sisters, Joyce Fowler and
Patricia Rushbrook; her sisters-in- law, Myrtle Murray and Betty
Murray; her brothers-in-law, Victor Fowler and James Rushbrook; and
nephew, Chris Murray.
She is survived by her siblings, Douglas (Annie) Murray,
Halifax; James Murray, Ottawa; Gordon Murray, Antigonish (formerly New
Glasgow); and Frank (Barbara) Murray, Lower Sackville. She is also
survived by 13 nieces and nephews and numerous grand-nieces and
grand-nephews.
Irene was a private person who loved her family, enjoyed
spending time with her pets and her many friends and neighbours. Irene
spent most of her summers in Meadowville.
The family expresses our sincere gratitude to all the
doctors, nurses and homecare workers involved in her
care.
Cremation has taken place. At Irene’s request,
there will be no visitation or funeral service. A
private memorial and spreading of her ashes will take place in her
beloved Meadowville in August.
Memorial donations may be made to any animal shelter or a
charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the
direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New
Glasgow.
19262022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Irene Murray 19262022..
Décès pour la Ville: New-Glasgow, Province: Nova Scotia