Age 86 of Truro. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Elizabeth Joan (Johnson) Murray on Sunday, February 10, 2019, in Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro. Born in Middleton to the late J. Myron and Lilian (Henry) Johnson, Elizabeth was educated in Wolfville and Truro, at Acadia University and Provincial Normal College. Following graduation, she taught grade primary in Kentville and at Alexandra School in Halifax. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching this age group and took great delight in putting on plays and rhythm band concerts with them.
While in Halifax she met and married Rev. Don Murray and actively supported his ministry in the United Church pastoral charges of Tabusintac and Edmundston, N.B., and Stewiacke, Tatamagouche and New Glasgow. She organized many events to aid in the financial support of these charges. It was always her intention to have a large family and so it is not surprising that she claimed her greatest accomplishments were her five children. Her expectations were high, but her encouragement always brought out the best in them. She enjoyed many activities and was always very busy and involved as a mother, church member and community member, attending and leading several church camps and CGIT, and participating in Home and School Associations, Band Auxiliaries, and the New Glasgow Music Festival. She was a member and past elder of Brunswick Street United Church in Truro, and a life member of the UCW. Elizabeth was a crusader and a staunch supporter of the NDP. She frequently expressed her views to all levels of government and in newspapers on issues including anti-smoking laws and the banning of VLTs. By far, her favorite pastime was reading the newspaper(s), particularly the Chronicle Herald, which she did from age 15. She was famous for her clippings! She enjoyed playing the piano, especially with family at Christmas, skating and playing cards as a very vocal participant in countless of games of 45s. But perhaps her greatest pleasure was dancing, which to her delight she was able to do into her 80s, despite complications from her broken hip. She loved to throw parties, especially for herself, and relished in surprising friends and family. She enjoyed baking bread and her famous pies, picnics, showing off her children's accomplishments, listening to the CBC, and eating fudge and chocolate. Surviving Elizabeth are her children, Deborah (Sandi Howell), Winnipeg; Patricia, Halifax; Joan (Stuart Smith), Summerside; John (Paula Abarca del Rio) Vienna, Austria; Donald, Toronto; grandchildren, Anna and Aidan Smith, Sean and Ian Murray Abarca; several nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members; many friends and faithful visitors. Elizabeth was predeceased by infant brothers, Arthur Myron and Ross Brian; and her companion in later years, Gordon Poole. We would like to thank the staff of East Cumberland Lodge and Cedarstone Enhanced Care for the wonderful care they provided Elizabeth during her six months stay in each facility. We, also, so appreciate Janet and Chrissy Ward for their devotion and care during the latter years of her life. Cremation has taken place. Elizabeth did not want her passing to be sad, so memories and stories are welcome at the visitation on Wednesday, March 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. A celebration of her life will be Thursday, March 14 at 2 p.m., both in Brunswick Street United Church, Truro. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brunswick Street United Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. www.arimatheafuneral.ca
She was bigger than life and will not easily be forgotten.