Elizabeth "Betty" (Snook) Murphy

FUNERAL UPDATE: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 10am, Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption

It is with profound sadness that the family of our beautiful mother, Betty Murphy, announce her unexpected passing at the North Bay Regional Health Centre on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

She was a loving and devoted wife of 59 years to our late father, Tom Murphy, who predeceased her in September, 2020. She was an amazing and much adored mother, Nan, Boopy and Great-nan to her children and their families.

She was born and raised in St. John’s Newfoundland and went on to become a registered nurse. She married our father who had joined the Canadian Armed Forces (Airforce) and this meant raising a family of four children, working as a nurse, while crisscrossing Canada and the United States with the military while never once complaining. She made many life-long friends along the way. Our parents finally settled in North Bay where Mom continued to work as an RN at St. Joseph’s Hospital until her retirement.

Being from Newfoundland, with her true East Coast hospitality, anyone dropping by meant endless (stealthily restocked!) snacks, always a great meal and delicious desserts. All the holiday meals were at Mom’s.

Our parents loved travel adventures. They spent many winters in Florida with friends and also enjoyed cruising. Mom loved going for long walks, doing crossword puzzles, scratch bingo tickets, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and was always game for whatever her grandchildren threw at her, no matter how outlandish.

Her last years were dedicated to caring for our father until his recent passing peacefully at home. We are able to take much comfort in knowing they are now together again where they will continue to grow in love, happiness and joy for all of eternity.

Our mother also leaves behind her surviving siblings both in Newfoundland and Ontario and a large extended family. We will all miss her more that any words can convey.

A very heartfelt thank you to Dr. Masri, nurses Jim and Lee Anne and all the staff of the emergency department at the NBRHC for the care and compassion they gave to our mother and family members. It is not enough to say they went above and beyond. Thank you to Beth from Pastoral Care for the blessings you gave our mother.  A very special thank you to Dr. Cowan, Dr. Jinnah and all the staff at the Near North Medical Clinic for all the excellent care that you provided to our mother over the years. It will not be forgotten. Also, a very special thank you to our mother’s neighbours and friends who made a point of checking in with her even during these difficult COVID times. Siblings would also like to thank their sister, daughter Madonna, who cared for her so much and was always there to tend to her daily needs.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McGuinty Funeral Home. In keeping with Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will take place at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption on June 22, 2021 at 10am

Should you wish, memorial donations in our mother’s name to World Vision or Operation Smile are suggested.

So small in stature; so huge of heart…our Mom, Betty.

The Head, Murphy and Karlowski families.

"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” — Proverbs 31:31