Obituary of Margaret Murrin

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Margaret Murrin, at her home in Parkland Antigonish on Friday, December 4, 2020.  Born in Antigonish on July 18th, 1933, she was the eldest child of the late Bill and Catherine Kiely.

Mom had a lifelong love of learning and finished at the top of her class throughout her schooling. Her beautiful singing voice was requested at many weddings, grand openings and local festivals. At St.F.X., she performed in several musical productions while completing her B.A. degree, graduating in 1954. In 1955 she married her college sweetheart, Ed Murrin, and together they raised seven children. When her last child started school, she returned to St.F.X. earning her B.Ed. and Masters degrees and began her career in teaching at MacPherson Elementary School. She loved it there and forged many lasting friendships with her co-workers. When the school was being torn down many years later, she said that she wished they would at least leave the staff room!

She served on the board of St. Martha’s Hospital, volunteered as a visitor for local seniors and canvassed for many charities throughout her life. She loved spending her summers at the cottage in Arisaig cooking for family gatherings and watching beautiful sunsets.

Mom was always a lady. There wasn’t even a trip to the emergency room without the necessities, her comb and her lipstick (covergirl #315). She will be remembered for her great sense of humour, a wonderful laugh and her love for Sidney Crosby.

She is survived by her children; Anne Marie McLean (Peter Robson), Pender Island B.C.; Marguerite Murrin-Cahill (Tom), Ancaster ON; Marty Murrin (Paula); Maura Lee Murray (Jim) both of Antigonish; Sheila Smith, Calgary AB; daughter-in-law Rosemary Murrin, North Sydney; Grandchildren; Amy (Matt), Allison, Kiely, Brad (Jessica), Mark, Ryan (Izzy), Chris (Erin), Stephanie (Nick), Beth, Erin, Lyndon, Sean, James, Matthew; nine great grandchildren and brother Bill Kiely, Antigonish.

We know that she will have a wonderful welcoming committee in her husband Ed, daughter Jeannie, son Michael, grandson Tom and sisters Frances and Jean.

Special thanks to the incredible staff at Parkland and the Sisters and residents who became her family, she adored you. Thanks as well to Dr. Booth and St. Martha’s palliative care team for providing comfort and dignity in her final days.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 14 from 2-4 and 7-9 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Funeral Mass 11 am Tuesday, December 15 in St. Ninian's Cathedral, Rev. Donald MacGillivray presiding. Please adhere to COVID-19 protocols at both visitation and funeral. Burial in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Martha's Hospital Foundation - Palliative Care. www.MacIsaacs.ca

At the end of our lives, if we are graded on how much we have loved and been loved, you have again finished at the top of your class.