Maureen Murphy

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved sister and aunt, Maureen Anne Murphy, age 66, of New Glasgow, on Wednesday, October 2, 2019. Born in New Glasgow, she was a daughter of the late Donald Robert and Annie Irene (MacGillivary) Murphy. She earned a B.Ed. from St. Mary’s University and a M.Ed. (Guidance) from Acadia University. Maureen began her teaching career in Thompson, Manitoba and Quebec City before returning to Nova Scotia to teach in River John, Westville High and Northumberland Regional High School. She was hired as the Occupation Preparation Program Coordinator, basically the founder of the program. Many referred to Maureen as “Miss OPP”. It has been said that Ms. Murphy walked the hall/corridors of the school with a steady stride, an infectious smile and a desire and a dream to help young people find success in their lives. For many years her students’ future looked bleak but fortunately their guardian angel, Murph, as the students called her, was on the case. Maureen has been an inspiration and mentor for many students and colleagues. She was compassionate and always took time to listen and give advice from her many bags of tricks. She was always prepared to do whatever it took to help her students find success. As an educational leader she would never ask anyone to work harder than she expected from herself. A line from a poem “Happiness” describes Maureen: “If you want happiness for a lifetime-help someone else”. She was a member of the Regional Committee for Special Olympics. After retirement, she spent some winters in Florida and enjoyed summers at her cottage in Toney River. She is survived by sisters, Beth and Donna, both of New Glasgow; brother, Bobby (Alison), Truro; sister-in-law, Heidi Hoegg, New Glasgow. She will also be missed by her two nephews, Drew and Tanner, whom she loved dearly; as well as several very close friends. She was predeceased by a brother, Michael “Mike”; several aunts and uncles. Visitation 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow. Funeral Mass 1 p.m. Monday, in Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, New Glasgow, with Father Donald MacGillivary officiating. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to Special Olympics Pictou County. Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca.