It is with great sadness that we
announce the peaceful passing of Marion Blanche
Murray, long-time resident of Dorchester, NB, on
December 9, 2021, just weeks after her 91st birthday.
Marion was born in Rexton, NB as one of
four children to parents Victor and Alice (Wilson) Lawson. After
graduating high school at a young age, she followed her passion for
education and attended New Brunswick Teachers’ College. She
started her first teaching job at MacDougall settlement, a one-room
grade school, moving on to various teaching positions and became a
well-respected educator at the many schools she taught at. She always
said she took delight in working with children as they brought her
great joy and laughter.
In 1949, Marion married William (Bill)
Murray and when he began working at the Dorchester Penitentiary, she
would spend weekends in Dorchester, living at the Windsor Hotel. They
eventually moved to Dorchester and together raised their seven
children, enjoying summer trips to shore affectionately known as
“Wright’s Point”. A devoted mother, Marion took
time off from her career to raise her children, eventually returning
to teach and tutor until she retired. Sadly, in 1984, she became a
young widow when Bill passed away suddenly.
Marion loved to dance, sing and was an
avid music lover. You could always find her singing a tune or
shuffling her feet, whether it was at home with her family or with one
of the many community or competitive activities she enjoyed.
She eventually found a new dance partner, Don Hopkins, who she enjoyed
twenty-one happy years with before his passing in 2016. Plenty a trip
was had in their motorhome, be it cross-country to visit relatives or
a winter down in sunny Florida.
Marion met her lifelong friend,
Elizabeth Lumadue (Murphy) at age 10 and the two never lost touch. As
her “golden friend”, they never missed a birthday or special
occasion, and although Elizabeth moved to Virginia, the pair would
connect when Marion and Don made their way to
Florida.
In addition, Marion was a dedicated
volunteer for a number of causes. She was a member of the United
Church, a Matron of Harmony Chapter Eastern Star (Dorchester), a life
member of Ladies Auxiliary Canadian Legion, a canvasser for the Heart
and Stroke Foundation, and the President of Dorchester Unity Cancer
Society.
Marion held a deep affection for her
grandchildren, making them the centre of her attention when in their
presence. Whether it be playing games, matchbox cars, baking treats,
colouring or teaching them how to play the pump organ, Marion brought
family together with her wit, enthusiasm and love. She loved to learn
new crafts and enjoyed knitting and crochet, making unique hand-made
tree ornaments for each grandchild every Christmas.
Marion continued to live in Dorchester
and Sackville until she moved into a memory care retirement home in
2018. In the last few years of her life, Marion experienced limited
mobility due to her illness. She was fortunate to have many close and
kind friends who came to her aid, taking her for drives and filling
the days with coffee and conversation. While we will greatly miss that
mischievous smile and twinkle in her eye, Marion’s strength,
courage, positive attitude and sense of humour will continue to
inspire her family.
Marion is predeceased by her parents,
sister Eileen Burris, brothers Herbert (Bert) Lawson and George
Lawson, brothers-in-law Arnold Murray and John Burris, and
sisters-in-law Serena Lawson, Gertrude (Gertie) Lawson and Dorothy
Warren.
Marion is lovingly remembered by her
seven children, Gary (Barb) Murray, Vicki (Per) Andersen, Steven
(Leona Langille) Murray, Sandra (Jim) Dunnett, Holly (Dan)
Robinson, Heather (Francis) LeBlanc, George (Minouska) Murray; her
seventeen grandchildren; Katherine Murray, Meredith (Darin)
Campbell-Jess, Melissa (Craig Hamlin) Murray, Michael (Dionne Tominuk)
Murray, Paul Andersen, Mark Andersen, Logan (Amanda) Robinson, Breanne
(Ryan) O’Reilly, Adam (Justin Greek) LeBlanc, Aaron LeBlanc,
Rejean LeBlanc, Patrick (Maddie) Murray, Lauren Murray, Joshua
(Audrey) Vanblarcum, Mickie Eduardo, Izaak Murray, Micah Murray;
fifteen great-grandchildren, Stacey (Tom) Usborne, Jordan Campbell,
Sachi Jess, Maiya Jess, Raeanne Andersen, Ella McDougall, Maria
Hamlin, Evie Hamlin, Finn Hamlin, Lachlan Robinson, Leanora Robinson,
Ophelia O’Reilly, Max LeBlanc, Kael LeBlanc, Elijah
Vanblarcum; three great-great-grandchildren, Leah Usborne, Norah
Usborne, Rachel Andersen; and her sister-in-law, Joyce
Mitchell
Many thanks to the dedication and
empathy shown by staff at ProTem Memory Care Centre, especially while
dealing with Covid
Arrangements are under the care and
supervision of Jones Funeral Home, 70
Bridge Street, Sackville (506-364-1300) A gathering of
friends and family to share stories and memories will be announced at
a later time.
If so desired, donations may be made to
the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Society, or a charity
of your choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may
be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at
www.jonesfuneralhome.ca.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Marion Blanche Murray 1930 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sackville, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick