KAY MURPHY

1922 - 2012

Kathleen Edith Murphy (nee Baughan), born September 3, 1922, passed away in Fort Macleod on Monday, July 9, 2012 at the age of 89 years. She was know affectionately to everyone as “Gram” or “Mum”. If you knew her, you loved her!
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Holy Cross Parish Hall, 2517 - 3 Avenue, Fort Macleod on Friday, July 13, 2012 between 2:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M.
Predeceased by her husband Charlie in 1975; and daughter-in-law Cheri in 2008.
Gram is survived by six children Jim of Lethbridge; Jack (Florence) of Fort Macleod; Sue Wright (Fred) of Golden, British Columbia; Sharon of Fort Macleod; Maureen Hamilton (Ron Berthot) of Golden, British Columbia; and Tricia Sheridan (Bill) of Lethbridge; fifteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.
Gram was a stay-at-home mum who devoted herself to raising the six Murphy children. During those years, she was also involved with a local Fort Teen Club and was proud of never having missed chaperoning a Saturday night dance in thirteen years. At the 1960’s School Reunion held in 1985 she was recognized by “her kids” with a plaque.
In 1969, due to her husband’s early retirement because of illness, Gram went out to work and was employed at Reach & Company for over twenty years.
She was also a volunteer member of the local Ladies Hospital Aide group for twenty one years, and often called upon to put her considerable talents as a seamstress to work for that cause. She also served as president for one year.
The Murphy family home on 22nd Street was always open to children..... anybody’s, as with six kids of her own, what was a few more.
She kept a Block Parent sign in her front porch window for many, many years as troubled kids were always a great concern for Gram and she did what she could to help anyone in need. She also supported the local Salvation Army as much as she could, always remembering that they were there for her, and many others, when they arrived in Canada as war brides.
Love of family always came first for Gram as she devoted very little time to herself, but greatly enjoyed such simple pleasures as dunking cookies in her tea; family pets; bike riding; knitting afghans, crossword puzzles, and cheering on her Calgary Flames.
Gram very much enjoyed her yard and flowers and took great pride in keeping it looking neat and tidy.
At age sixty, Gram discovered hiking, and for twenty years could be found scrambling up scree slopes and enjoying the company of her much younger fellow hikers until she was eighty and a back injury forced her to quit.
Always a special time for Gram, were her trips to Golden, British Columbia for extended visits with family members there.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Kay’s name may be made directly to the Fort Macleod Community Support Beds in care of the Fort Macleod Hospital Aux., PO Box 1866, Fort Macleod, Alberta T0L 0Z0 or to the Fort Macleod Handi Bus, PO Box 591, Fort Macleod, Alberta T0L 0Z0.