Obituary of Catherine Murray
MURRAY: Catherine (Renee) Murray, born to John and Mary Russell of Edinburgh, Scotland on April 12, 1922, passed away on October 16, 2021.
She was a loving Mum to Carol (Jack) Robertson, Mimi (Ted) Temple, and Ken (Holly) Murray.
She was the proud Nana to Paul and Grant (Susan) Robertson, Mike (Sheri) Temple, Sheri (Darrell) Brown, and Jeff (Stacey) Temple.
She was a thrilled Nan to her "great grands" James and Josh Robertson, Ashlyn and Maren Temple, Reese Brown, Cole Temple, and Cailen, Luka, and Greer Beeston.
Mom also leaves to mourn her dear sisters-in-law Betty McSorley and Reta Murray, as well as her dear friend Isabel Shaw.
Mum met her Flt. Lt. Don towards the end of W.W. II and they were married in Edinburgh on January 9, 1945. She came to Canada as a War Bride, landing at Pier 21 in Halifax.
In Lyleton, MB, where they farmed, Mum and Dad were a big part of the community and she lovingly supported Dad and our family in all our endeavours. She was a 4-H Leader, a Sunday school teacher, a Girl Guide Leader, a member of the W.I. and the United Church.
Mum and Dad moved to Brandon in 1964 where she picked up the volunteer mantle in the Manitoba War Brides Association, Rebekah Lodge, and Brandon General Hospital. But, being a Scot, she loved her paying job! She was Secretary for the Brandon Wheat Kings from 1967 to 1980.
Tragedy struck when her loving husband, Don, died suddenly on October 16th, 1979 at the age of 59. A widow for 42 years, Mum amazed us with her strength, resiliency, sense of humour, and quick wit.
Mum made friends wherever she went - Hawaii, Florida, Arizona, Scotland, and all across Canada. Her interests were many: summers at Clear Lake, reading, following curling every winter, and doing crosswords - "with a pen!" She found her artistic side and painted in oil and water colour. And, many a friend or family were recipients of "Renee's Wee Notes” of praise, courage, or just caring.
Mum was a great story teller, leaving us with great memories of her life in Scotland and Canada. She had a wonderful curious mind about everything in life, striving to keep up to date with current events.
Although a good long life was lived, she will be missed dearly.
Cheerio, Mum! May you look down on the mountains and prairies that you loved so much - and all your family that you cherished.
Our family would like to sincerely thank the nursing staff at the Erickson Personal Care Home for their exceptional care of Mum in her final weeks.
Mum's request was for a private graveside service with her immediate family only.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Renee may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3 or to a charity of choice.
