Age 85 of Long Harbour - Mount Arlington Heights. Passed peacefully away at the Health Sciences Center on Sunday, March 2, 2014 surrounded by those she loved. Predeceased by her husband George, children Eric, John and Michael, brothers Mick (Helen), Cyril, Din (Liz), Andy and sister Mollie. Leaving to mourn her children Gordon (Sheila), Arnold (Anne), Andy (Margie), Gerry (Lorraine), Roy (Jeanie), Tony, Ted (Patrina), Ray, Alex (Tammy), Mary (Tom), Betty Anne (Mark), Georgina (Ladis) and Lori. 30 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, brother Jack (Gladys), Ned, sister in law Lorraine, a large circle of nieces, nephews and special friends also celebrate her life. Liz was born April 22, 1928 to Elizabeth (Bruce) & Andrew Burke. She had 6 brothers and one sister. After her only sister "Mollie" died when Liz was just 11, she was taken out of school to help out at home. Even though she left school at an early age, she was an avid reader and in her later years could always be found in the middle of a good book, that she just had to get to the end of. Her own mother was her greatest inspiration and best friend. She spoke fondly of her mom and the lessons learned from her even after more than 40 years. How she had patience for anything and only ever had a kind word to say. Liz married George February 5, 1948, she gave birth to 16 children and raised 14. She loved her children and never forgot the 2 she lost. She had 12 boys in a row and finally "#13 was lucky" it was her first girl, soon to be followed by 3 more girls. Liz could recall with vivid detail, for any of her children, the details of the day they were born, the weather, who took her to the hospital and who else was there at the same time. She had an amazing memory for dates and phone numbers and knew the birthdates and ages of not only her immediate family but of anyone even remotely connected to her. Liz sang in the church choir for many years. She sang songs for her kids and always hummed a tune as she went about her daily tasks of baking bread and preparing home cooked meals and could even be convinced, from time to time, to sing a tune at a get-together. Her grandchildren and great-children were her greatest joy and she had stories to share about all of them. She had a gift of making everyone of them feel special. In her later years, she never left home without her cell phone and she was very fond of her iPad, texting and Facebook because she was able to have regular updates on family regardless of how far away they were. In her own words, she was born too soon. She looked forward to her weekly Bingo game with her Bingo buddies and brought home a few jackpots in her time. Knitting was a passion for her during her entire life. She was responsible for the creation of thousands of baby outfits, sweaters, mittens and home knit socks during her lifetime which she happily gave as gifts to her large group of family and friends. She had the best sense of humor and never lost her love for a bit of fun. She loved to complete the Jumble in the Daily Telegram, read the obituaries, eat plain chips and didn't mind the odd drop of Apricot Brandy. Mom. Nanny. Great Nanna. Great NanNan, Granmudder, Aunt Liz. Liz. Beth and Mrs. Murphy. So many names for the same wonderful lady who has left her mark on anyone who was fortunate enough to know her. Visitation at St. Jerome's Church in Long Harbour; Tuesday 1-7 PM, Wednesday 1-8 PM (which will incorporate a liturgy service at 7PM.) Funeral Service at St. Jerome's Church in Long Harbour, Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 11:00 AM. True to our Irish roots Liz loved all things green, the family plans to honor her by wearing a touch of green at her visitation &/or funeral so feel free to join us by wearing something green as it would make her smile. Green ribbons will also be available at the church. Floral tributes gratefully accepted or donations in her name to Autism Canada Foundation.