Hazel Irene Murphy (nee Wright) September 10, 1923 – December 28, 2020
Hazel Irene Murphy (nee Wright) was the matriarch of our family – the foundation around which the family was built. She was mild-mannered and selfless and a force of strength, perseverance and resilience. Hazel passed away peacefully December 28th, 2020 in Barrie at the age of 97, reuniting with her husband of 62 years, John who died March 16 of this same year. She leaves behind three children – Tim Murphy (Jane Thompson), Colleen Murphy and Christanne (John) Lewis; six grandchildren (Emma, Kaleigh, Courtney, Sam, Patrick and Thomas) and two great grandchildren (Damon and RJ).
Hazel left home to build her own life at the age of 16. After the war, she met, dated and then married John Murphy and began a long history of putting others first. She worked to support John’s post-war education and the early years of his law practice in Simcoe County.
She was an avid sportsperson and a well-decorated participant in organized softball, bowling, curling and golf in the Barrie area.
Keeping track of family finances spawned a lifelong fastidiousness and launched the family ‘black book’ – tracking even the most insignificant debit and credit in our lives. Along with the finances, she kept track of every appliance warranty, guarantee and certificate - saving them in files she kept as orderly as the family home.
Hazel never liked being idle. Putting others first, she found her true joy in volunteering, spending 30 years in service to the Barrie Maycourt Club. She eagerly dedicated countless hours at Grove Park Home, the Early Years Program; Home for the Holidays and the Gingham Door. Hazel also filled many key club roles: historian, treasurer and convenor. Her friends in the Club will remember her as a friendly go-getter.
A stalwart wife, mother, aunt, and friend, perhaps Hazel’s greatest love was as Nana to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She invested in their growth and development; taking an active and avid interest in all of their lives ensuring they never went without, were fulfilled and ‘on the right path’.
Hazel possessed an unparalleled strength and perseverance. Her later life brought several health setbacks and surgeries. The family marvelled at her ability to dig in and do the work needed to bounce back.
In the months leading up to her death, Hazel was still putting others first – starting an on-line fundraiser to sell her hand-made crafts to benefit the less fortunate.
Tim, Colleen and Christanne often joked of each other’s "Hazel qualities", seeing these as the gifts they truly are – ensuring that, in them, Hazel’s indomitable spirit lives on.
Hazel will be laid to rest together with John in a private ceremony on a future date. Both are cherished and will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honour to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com.