Mary Anastasia Murphy

Mary Anastasia Murphy died in Halifax on July 17, 2013. She was born in Halifax in 1915 to Walter and Catherine (Spence) Murphy. She survived the Halifax Explosion being pulled out of the ruined and burning family home in the Richmond District. She returned to live for the rest of her life in the new house built on the foundation of the old. Although she was only two years old at the time of the explosion, the event shaped her life and the life of her family. Two of Mary’s uncles and their wives were killed, leaving several cousins orphaned. She later said of the explosion,“It is not something you get over.”

Mary attended Saint Joseph's Girls School, Saint Patrick's Girls High School and business college. She volunteered at Saint Joseph's Church, as a cub leader, a member of the Children of Mary and the Catholic Women's League. Mary looked after her aged parents and various relatives at home. She also helped her 4 brothers whom she loved dearly.

Mary started her career working for Gordon B. Isnor, then in the spring of 1935 worked at Government House helping with correspondence during King George V's Silver Jubilee. A perk of the secretaries was to be served tea in the ballroom. Her career working in the provincial government, mostly with the Department of Lands and Forests, lasted for 48 years. She was Executive Secretary to five Deputy Ministers and served under 12 Ministers. Mary was well respected for her competence and good humour. Her long service earned Miss Murphy a farewell party in the Red Chamber at Province House. In her remarks on working in government she said “My only advice to any civil servant would be - to be a good listener - the results are rewarding. Don't ever kick anything in anger, you might end up with a sore toe for at least a year and above all keep a sense of humour.”

While offered the chance to stay until her 50th year, Mary was happy to retire to enjoy many activities including bowling and entertaining at home.

Mary always attended the official events commemorating the Halifax Explosion. She maintained friendships with authors Janet Kitz and Blair Beed and her stories informed their writings on the explosion.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses on the orthopaedic floor of the QEII who cared for Mary over the past several weeks, especially nurse Madelyn, and Dr. Stephen Gibbon for his care of Mary over many years.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, her brothers and their wives, Walter (Madeleine); Joseph (Margaret); Edward and by her sister Catherine who died in childhood. She is survived by her brother Frank (Eileen), Halifax, sister in law Shirley Murphy, Ottawa; and many nieces and nephews. Mary will be greatly missed by many friends.

Visitation will be at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street on Friday from 4pm to 7pm.

Funeral will be at Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Brunswick Street, Saturday at 10 am with a reception to follow in church hall. Interment will be in Mount Olivet. Family flowers only, please. Donations in Mary's memory may be made to Hope Cottage, Brunswick Street, Halifax. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord.

To view or to send messages of condolence to the family, please visit: www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com