MURPHY: Muriel Emily
Posted By On May 2, 2026 @ 12:00 AM In Goderich, Obituary | 32 Comments
Muriel Murphy (née Simpson), 95, of Goderich, Ontario, passed away peacefully on May 2 surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by siblings Jim, Margie, and Ward (Oresta), and sisters-in-law Lorraine Simpson and Anne Murphy. She is predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Dan Murphy; her parents, Sherman and Mary Ann Simpson; and siblings Jane (Mike), John (Ronnie), Kirk (Doreen), Hugh, Paul (Marie), and in-laws Lorna and Nick; and, from the Murphy family, Tom, Margaret, and Frank (Fran).
Muriel was born in Welland, Ontario, the fourth of nine children. From a young age, Muriel put her God-given talents for helping others to excellent use, entering St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Hamilton, Ontario. This began a nursing career that took her from Hamilton to California and back to Ontario where she met a young lawyer named Dan Murphy. And the rest, as they say, is history. Muriel and Dan married in 1959 and settled in Goderich. There, they joined the parish of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, remaining stalwart members for the course of their lifetime.
Muriel’s accomplishments were many. A two-time President of the Goderich Catholic Women’s League, she was also elected President of the London Diocese. She was a board member of the Children’s Aid Society, the St. Joseph’s School of Nursing Alumni Association, a long-standing member and volunteer for the Liberal Party, a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, and both a director and, ultimately, Chair of the Advisory Board of the London Psychiatric Hospital.
Muriel’s proudest accomplishment was her exuberant, diverse, ever-expanding family. Over 95 years, she raised seven children – Anne Marie (Taylor) Lambert, Patrick (Brenda) Murphy, Michael (Patti) Murphy, Paul (Lucille) Murphy, Mary Margaret (Adam) Taborek, Katharine (James) Smith, and Maureen (Joanne) Murphy. She later delighted in 18 grandchildren, including the Lamberts – Kenton (Rosalie), Michael (Candise), Anna (Sam), and Stephen (Charlie); Emily Murphy (Christian); Riley Murphy; the Taboreks – Benjamin (Alexandra), Riley Ash, Stephen, Angela, Jack, and Emily; the Smiths – Jerome, Madeleine, and Keon; and the Murphys – Matthew, Claire, and Stella. Recently, three great-grandchildren – Townes, Francis, and Ellie – rounded out her crew. Not to mention being a wonderful aunt to a beloved phalanx of nieces and nephews who adored their beautiful Aunt Muriel.
Whether Mom, Nana, or Muriel, she was our safe place to land with our hopes and fears, disappointments and triumphs. Sometimes a balm, often a lifeline, her unconditional love was a constant in all our lives.
Muriel delighted in the everyday, from cultivating saucer-sized hydrangeas around her back deck to canning jars of her signature sweet chili sauce every fall. From coaxing a giggle out of a petulant toddler, to singing in her clear, lovely voice. From watching a legendary Goderich sunset from the cottage beach, to enjoying a wee dram (or two) in the company of lifelong friends. She never met a dog or cat she didn’t like, laughed as readily as she cried, and often took the opportunity to dispense her standard prescription for navigating life: “Go to mass.”
We are most grateful to the wonderful staff at Harbour Hill Retirement Home in Goderich and most recently the staff at Pinecrest Nursing Home in Lucknow for all of the care and love they bestowed on our mom.
Some people try to leave the world a better place. Mom did, leaving everyone she encountered a better person without even trying. Ah yes. She was a rare one.
Visitation will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Thursday May 7th, 2026 from 9:00 am- 10:30 am. Eulogy will be said at 10:45 am. Muriel’s Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am. A private family burial will take place at Kingsbridge Cemetery. A celebration of Muriel’s life to follow at the Knights of Columbus Centre from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Muriel’s memory to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation-Magnetic Moments Campaign.
Family and friends who cannot join us in-person for Muriel’s mass can join us online as her service will be livestreamed. You can join the livestream by copying and pasting the link below into a new tab. https://my.forever.link/muriel-emily-murphy
Shared by Martin Skillen
Condolences for the family of “MURPHY: Muriel Emily”
Please accept our deepest condolences on a life well lived.
I enjoyed chatting with “Mur-Mur”… always pleasant and uplifting conversations. What a beautiful life she lived…an inspiration to others. My deepest sympathy to the family!
Muriel was a wonderful person who made everyone around her better. Her enthusiasm was infectious and she always put her heart and soul into making Goderich a wonderful place to live. To say Muriel will be missed is an understatement. May God bless Muriel and her beloved family. Jim & Shelagh McDade.
Deepest sympathies to all the family and friends of Muriel. May she RIP and may her memories live on
A lifetime of choir memories with Murial Murphy and my mom, Diane. May she sing with the angels in the heavenly choirs. Our sympathies to all the Murphy children.
My deepest condolences to the Murphy clan on the loss of Aunt Muriel. May a lifetime of memories give you comfort. I’m sure she’s already organizing a euchre tournament in heaven.
To Ann Marie, Taylor, and all family
It is with deep sympathy that Muriel has passed. We extend our best wishes for you all to deal with her loss. It is difficult losing a loved one but fond memories of her impact in your lives will be a source of comfort. It must have been a terrific experience having her motherly compassion in your lives. Our prayers are with the family and our hope is that all thoughts of Muriel will bring an opportunity to smile as you cherish the presence that she had in your lives.
My most sincere condolences to the entire Murphy family and those that loved Muriel. Anyone who experienced some of her enthusiasm and caring and much better for it.
Dear Ann Marie and family.
We are sad to hear of your Moms passing.
What an amazing life she had!
We extend our sincere condolences.
May all your memories , give each of you comfort at this difficult time.
Gayle and Barney
Our sincere sympathy is extended to all of the Murphy family on the passing of Muriel. When we first arrived in Goderich in the mid-1970’s, we were warmly welcomed by Muriel and Dan and invited to their home for some wonderful parties. All these years later, we still remember the warmth, laughter and fun experienced on these occasions. May these and many other special memories help to bring comfort and peace to Muriel’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Muriel’s family – you are on our minds and in our hearts.❤️
Muriel – was special to know and always remembered.
Her faith was an example and special to all – ❤️
❤️Cecelia and Don Denomme
My brother, Cayley, and I have very fond memories of growing up with the Murphy family. I admired Mrs. Murphy’s strength and zest for life. Cayley and I offer our condolences to the entire Murphy family and all their families. Mrs. Murphy will be missed by her spirit will remain alive in our hearts.
Heartfelt condolences to Muriel’s family and friends. Muriel’s leadership in the Catholic Women’s League of Canada and beyond was inspiring! May your soul rest in peace now Muriel.
Sending our love and thoughts to Maureen (and Joanne) and all the Murphy family. I have such fond memories of Muriel, especially her laugh. Love from Shauna, Meg, Harrison & Elly xo
We were so saddened to hear about Aunt Muriel’s passing. Sending you our love and sympathy. We will keep you close in our thoughts on Thursday as you celebrate her long and wonderful life.
With love
Anne Marie Jamie and all the Guelph Simpsons
My deepest condolences to all the family.
May God rest her soul, and bring comfort and solace to all of you.
sincerely, Pat O’Neill, St Joe’s class of ’74 [daughter of Jo O’Neill, Rektor, class of ’51]
I send my sincere sympathy to the children of Muriel and Dan. Muriel was a powerhouse in my estimation. She exuded caring, warmth and an exceptional zest for life. I felt so fortunate to go on several ski trips with Dan and Muriel. These occurrences were like nothing else I have experienced. I felt like ‘one of the extended family.’ Muriel skied like she did everything else- with grit and super ability. Muriel is in a league of her own. There are loving celebrations in Heaven as she reconnects with her dear husband and many others whose life she touched. One thing is certain:Her loving Lord God has welcomed her with open arms.Muriel is deservedly enjoying a blissful eternity.
Anne Marie, Taylor and all the Murphy family, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Muriel.
May your memories give you peace and comfort.
Chris and Carolyn Carter!
Muriel always had a warm smile and a joyous greeting. To know her was a blessing. Our deepest condolences to the Murphy family.
Muriel was a valued member of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada. We shared many memories, and she will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace, Muriel.
To Muriel’s family, please know that you are in my prayers. God Bless!
Sincerely with Love,
Jeannie Coleman
Muriel was truly a wonderful woman – kind and steady and guided by a deep and abiding faith.
Her love and spirit will live on in each of you, as she rests in the arms of your dad. Your parents were a big part of my childhood and youth. Your family is very special to me.
I wish you all peace and comfort.
Mary Cherniak
What a beautiful message about a beautiful woman who I am ever so grateful for – she gave me the Lamberts. A family that is always so loving, open, kind and generous. I am so sorry for your loss, but I’ve no doubts her spirit is ever-lasting. I see it in all of you. Love, Nadine & David x
Ann Marie, Taylor and family – please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your remarkable Mom and Grandmother. What a wonderful, long life she had. Thinking of all of you during this sad time.
To the Murphy family and relatives.
Our sympathies to you all of the passing of your energetic, kind, caring, always a smile, and full of spunk your beautiful mom Muriel.
What a lady she was.
Muriel was good to our mom Genevieve, and they both had similar traits. Your mom was determined to go to our mom’s burial day at St Peter’s Cemetery to show respect and say goodbye when Covid only allowed so many. It was a nice surprise to us with tears in our eyes that she did. It meant alot.
Thank you Anne-Marie for bringing your mom. God bless you all.
Michael, Patrick and Genny Madden
Thinking of you today as you celebrate dear Aunt Muriel. Definitely a life well lived.
Much love
Jamie Anne Marie and the rest of the Guelph Simpsons
So many fun memories of Muriel’s laughter, kindness and generosity.
Enjoying the ‘big’ occasions -weddings, grads and reunions at her home and cottage.
She was more than a wonderful mother to our son James (Katharine) and their three children loving them in Goderich and Vancouver with messages in-between. Muriel be loved, enjoy your peace, the reward of a life well shared.
My deepest sympathies to all the family. I was glad to have Muriel as a friend when I moved to Harbour Hill.
Sr. Maureen Shearon just informed me of your Mom’s death. Although I knew her for only a few years back in the ‘70s, she made a lasting impression on me. I must say I admired her for her love she showed for her family.
This is a picture I took after the Tri-Jubilee Mass at St. Peter’s, 1977. (I hope it goes through)
I hope the rest of the family is doing well.
My sincere condolences to you all.
Martin Skillen
To Muriel’s family, thank you so much for sharing Muriel with the Catholic Women’s League. I was mentored by Muriel and we roomed together when I was part of the Ontario Provincial Catholic Women’s League Executive. We shared many family stories and her love for all was contagious. Be assured of our thoughts and prayers as you navigate the journey of loss. Blessings, Bernadette Burgess on behalf of the Kingston Diocesan Life Members.
Dear Maureen and all the Murphys and your special people,
I will always remember meeting your mum at Joanne’s “coronation”:) I felt an immediate connection – we were both nurses;) She was fun, warm and lovely to talk to.
Clearly a wonderful mother who raised a large family who loved her and love each other.
Families like that are a gift – celebrate your love ❤️
Shelley, Rene and girls
Our deepest condolences to all the family on the passing of Muriel, Mrs Murphy. She always had a smile and a lovely presence whenever I saw her.
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To all of the Murphy family. It was a pleasure to know Muriel. I loved her “fire cracker” style. She was a strong supporter of Rotary and I am glad to have helped assist getting her out of the nursing home for several events. She sure enjoyed people of all ages. I am sure she is in a special place.