Helen Edna Murphy

Murphy, Helen Edna – 100, Halifax, died February 11, 2014, in St. Vincent’s Nursing Home. Born in Halifax, she was a daughter of the late Thomas William and Mary Helen (Mamie Barclay) Murphy. Following her early education at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, she graduated from MacDonald College, McGill with a degree of B. Sc. Home Economics. Following her internship at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, she practiced as a dietician at the Montreal General Hospital. In 1942, she joined the RCN where she served as Matron Dietician at RCN Hospital, Statacona until November, 1945. Following study at Columbia University she became Assistant Director of Dietetics with DVA in Ottawa, where she specialized in the design and equipping of institutional food service departments. In 1949, Helen joined the RCAF where she spent the major part of her career, serving across Canada from bases at Ottawa, Trenton, and Winnipeg, and from 1953 – 1955 with NATO Forces at Air Division HQ, in Metz, France. She retired in 1962 with the rank of Squadron Leader. She then returned home to Halifax, where she became Consultant in Dietetics with the NS Health Services Commission, visiting hospitals throughout the province, advising on the planning and equipping of new kitchens and cafeterias until her final retirement in 1974. Helen served as President of the Canadian Dietetics Association, and is a past member of the Zonta Club of Halifax.

She is survived by her brother, Larry Murphy of Halifax. She was predeceased by her sisters, Clare Carten, Nora Connolly, and Joan Conyers; brothers, William, Paul, Frank, and Tom, and Thomas Francis in infancy.

Visitation will be held at J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax, (455-0531) on Friday, February 14, 2014, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Canadian Martyrs Church, Inglis Street on Saturday, February 15 at 10:00 am, Fr. Owen Connolly officiating and burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CNIB or a charity of your choice. With special thanks to the staff of the 6th floor, St. Vincent’s Nursing Home for their kindness and care.