Born January 28, 1933 in St. John's, Newfoundland. After a full and rewarding 78 years, Judith passed away peacefully as love surrounded her in Oakville on June 10, 2011 at 3:25 a.m. by her beloved family.
Predeceased by her parents Robert and Loretta Murphy, her brothers John Murphy (Madeline), Robert Murphy and Paul Murphy, her sisters Janet Murphy and Marie Freeman (Tom).
Leaving to mourn her beloved children: Philip, Mark and David Aspinall; her granddaughter Jessica Susan-Judith Aspinall; her sisters Regina McBride and Barbara Patterson (David); her brother David Murphy (Genevieve); sisters-in law: Eve Murphy (Paul) and Stella Murphy (Robert). Cherished by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and their children as well as a host of friends and colleagues.
Judith began grade school at St. Bride’s College, Littledale, St. John's, Newfoundland in 1946, received her High School diploma from the Convent of the Holy Child, Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania in 1950 and her English Literature Degree from Rosemont College, Rosemont, Pennsylvania, in 1954.
Throughout her professional career she worked internally with The Reader’s Digest, London, England; Time-Life International, London, England; Atomic Energy of Canada; University of St. Michael's College, Toronto.
The highlight for Judy was her work at The National Ballet of Canada which she enjoyed tremendously as she has had a strong natural bond and felt most connected with the arts. She retired in 1997.
Guests were always graciously received at the family home in Oakville on Anthony Drive. Visitors never left Judy’s house before tea was served and food was offered. Her three boys often toiled in the kitchen to make even the most common gathering a special event for Judy. Everyone that came through the door was a special guest. Judy always gave happily of her time and was always up for a chat.
As years passed and while the boys grew older, Judy developed many passions of her own including gardening, tennis, needlepoint, teaching, reading and writing poetry. Perhaps the most loved and miraculous passion was her love of art. In spite of her medical affliction, Judy found the ability to create stunning and creative sketches and paintings. Until the end, she was still fascinated by the new techniques taught to her when she attended art class.
Judy was passionately proud to be a "Newfoundlander born and bred" and returned to her birthplace at every opportunity to get her fix of the salt air. She would often say "I need to go home to get grounded." Her favorite place to visit was Topsail Beach as it brought back many fond memories.
She created a beautiful life "away from her home in Newfoundland" where she raised her children in Oakville. As a very loved and devoted mother and a dear Granny, her children and granddaughter were always on her mind. She will be remembered for her infinite love of family and long term bonds to friends, her vibrant personality and her passion for, and love of, life.
Her generous spirit, her tremendous kindness and her compassionate nature touched all those who knew her. She had an uncommon ability to find something positive in every situation despite the obstacles. Obstacles she simply dismissed as trivial.
Judy’s life and spirit and devout faith in the Roman Catholic Church will be celebrated at a funeral mass to be held at her parish, St. Andrew's Church, 47 Reynolds Street, Thursday, June 16 at 11:00 a.m. which will be followed by her burial at Trafalgar Lawn, Oakville.
In lieu of flowers, Judy’s family ask to support The Lupus Clinic at the Toronto Western Hospital, to help them support their unprecedented work to heal life beyond expectation.
Judy’s spirit is an irreplaceable loss to our community. Though deeply missed by all she came in contact with, she will forever be remembered by the sunshine her soul unknowingly shown on all it could reach.