Obituary of Judith Ann Murphy

It is with deep sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother and Nan, Judith Ann Murphy, on Saturday, November 30, 2024, in Halifax due to complications from dementia. Born on May 16, 1945, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Judith was the cherished daughter of the late Marjorie and Neil Nicholson. She grew up in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, alongside her siblings Billy, Catherine, Janie, and Rick. In 1969, Judith relocated to Sudbury, Ontario, where she started her family, welcoming her children, Janie and Shane. In 1976, she returned to North Sydney and embarked on a rewarding 25-year career with Nova Scotia Power. She initially worked at the Commercial Street office before moving to the customer service center on Townsend Street. There, she met her soulmate, Donnie Murphy, with whom she shared a loving 18-year partnership. Together, they blended their families and created a joyful life, hosting memorable gatherings such as Christmas Eve celebrations, Boxing Day parties with the Martells, and lively Canada Day block parties in Mira. Judith was an extraordinary baker, known for her signature tea biscuits, homemade jams, lemon pies for her grandson Michael, and an assortment of cookies and squares cherished by countless family and friends. In retirement, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and bonding with her grandchildren. Her faith became a pillar of strength after Donnie’s passing in 2004. She devoted her time to volunteering with the Catholic Women’s League, Saint Vincent de Paul, and Our Lady of Fatima Church in Sydney River. Judith treasured her travels to New York, Edmonton, Florida, and Bedford. Whether it was marveling at the Rockettes, cheering at Josh’s soccer games, or attending Nicole’s swimming competitions, her family remained at the heart of her adventures. In Bedford, she delighted in shopping trips with Laura, military parades for David, and cheering on Michael at hockey games. Judith also found great happiness in gatherings with her retired Nova Scotia Power colleagues, whose companionship and laughter brought her immense joy. Judith is predeceased by her husband, Donnie (2004); her parents, Neil and Marjorie (Parsons) Nicholson; her siblings Billy, Catherine, and Rick; Donnie’s son, Terrance (Muffs); and daughter-in-law, Dale (MacNeil) Murphy. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Janie (Keith) MacKinnon and Shane (Laurie) Goudie; Donnie’s children, Maureen Pickup, Kevin Murphy, and Susan (Les) Mallard; her sister Janie Nicholson; and her grandchildren, Josh (Sarah) Goudie, Nicole (Sidney) Majoko, David (Laura) MacKinnon, Michael (Rebeckah) MacKinnon, and Laura MacKinnon, Paula (Matt), Justine (Dan), Jacelyn, Maeghan (Billy), Nicole (David), Melissa, Matthew, and Sarah, as well as great-grandchildren Hughie, Jackson, Avery, Bristol, Ella-Marie, Orion, Maverick, and Barra. Judith is also survived by her sisters-in-law Mary-Lou Nicholson and Pam Nicholson, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins across Canada whom she deeply cherished. Visitation and a reception will take place at T.J. Tracey’s Funeral Home, Sydney, on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by the service at 12 p.m. Burial will occur immediately following at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home for their exceptional care of Judith over the past seven years. In lieu of flowers, donations to Saint Vincent’s music program would be greatly appreciated, as music brought Judith comfort and joy throughout her life. “There is only one thing that Alzheimer's cannot take away, and that is love. Love is not a memory-it is a feeling that resides in your heart and soul”.