Anne Catherine Murray

Anne Catherine Murray, in her 91st year, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10, 2020, at Chelsey Park Long Term Care, in London. Beloved wife of the late James "Jim" Murray (1985). Dearly loved mother of Maureen (Brandon) Brock, John (Christina), Paul (Liana), David (Diane) and Tim (Debbie). Cherished grandmother of Michael and Christopher Brock, Nicole, Tyler and Mikhaela Murray (mother Lorraine Murray), Alexander Murray and Danielle and Elizabeth Murray. Also survived by her sister Catherine Tonkin, her brother James (Connie) Haffey and her brother-in-law Bruce Findlay, as well as many nieces and nephews. Anne is predeceased by her parents Viola (Stock) and Francis Haffey of Brantford; her siblings Patricia Haffey, John (Agnes) , Frances (Robert) Wilson, Mary (Doug) Bates, Eileen Findlay, Loretta (Lionel) Wickson and Helen (James) Hodgson. Also predeceased by in-laws, Marie (William) Dale, Margaret (Joseph) O'Brien, Elaine (Peter) Feeney and Joan (John) Ferris. Anne was born March 6, 1929, in Brantford, Ontario. Despite growing up during the Depression, Anne always described her early years as full of love, laughter, fun-filled antics and music. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice, an outgoing personality, and a wonderful sense of humour. While growing up, and throughout her adulthood, she seized every opportunity to perform in local shows and choirs. In 1954, she moved to London and began working as the main receptionist at General Motors Diesel. It was here she met the love of her life, Jim, who she married in 1956. After 19 years as a loving and well-organized 'domestic engineer', Anne returned to the workforce at Eatons, in downtown London, until her retirement. Following retirement, she travelled with friends and family, and worked tirelessly as a volunteer. Musical friends from the church formed a group called "The Smoothies" and performed weekly for the veterans at Parkwood Hospital and at various nursing homes in London. Anne was also a member of the barbershop singing group, Shades of Harmony, for a number of years. A life-long, devoted member of the Catholic Church, Anne was very active in Holy Rosary Parish Catholic Womens League, Altar Guild and church choir, until her health began to fail in her early 80's. Anne volunteered for a number of years with the Canadian Cancer Society at the London Regional Cancer Centre. Anne was always happiest when giving her time and energy to assist someone in need. She lived selflessly, was famous for her large laugh, beautiful smile and kind, giving soul. She endured any hardship with grace, strong faith and an incredible positive attitude. Anne loved the simple things in life, especially time with her family. Anne's family would like to thank the entire staff of the 2nd floor at Chelsey Park Long Term Care for their loving and affectionate care of our mother over the past 5 years. Visitors will be received in the O'Neil Funeral Home, 350 William Street, London on Friday, January 17, from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Holy Family Parish, 777 Valetta Street, London, on Saturday at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment in St. Peter's Cemetery, London. Online condolences & Guest Book at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to London Health Sciences Foundation, LRCP Patient Assistance Fund. (www.lhsf.ca)



A wonderful example of Anne's kindness of heart is alive and shining on all who come into our Chapel. It is, in fact, the singular permanent "adornment" (other than the cross or crucifix) on our chapel walls. It has a story:
When her beloved husband Jim died, Anne donated, to his memory, a beautiful stained glass window (which was designed by their son Tim in remembrance of his father) for her Parish Church: Holy Rosary. When Holy Rosary Church was being closed, families who had donated the stained glass windows of the church were given the opportunity to have them back. Anne immediately accepted the exquisite St. Francis of Assisi window she had originally donated. What to do with it then? especially after seeing other such windows in local churches that were either closing or renovating - simply being smashed out.
When attending a visitation with us one evening, she asked if we would accept her window, display it in the funeral home, keep it safe. We were astounded by her kindness and immediately, with surprised gratitude, accepted.
Since we have no windows in our Chapel, a piece of the side wall at the front of our Chapel was cut out, lighting was hidden in the opening, and St. Francis set into the space. The lighting sets ablaze magnificent colours that exude the warmth and kindness of St. Francis himself and of the kind heart of Anne Murray whose name is constantly heard at the front of the chapel when all who see it ask about it...as all do. It is impossible to even guess how many times the name "Anne Murray" has been uttered in this Chapel.
Anne - your name and kind spirit will continue, always, to light both this room and those who are reminded of that other loving spirit: St. Francis.
Thank you, Anne.
Joe & Kate O'Neil & Family