Sheila Joan (Merrifield) Murphy Obituary

Died peacefully May 25 at the age of 86 at Amica at Unionville in Markham, Ontario, having her son Christopher and daughter Susan at her side throughout her final days. Sheila was the beloved wife of Paddy Murphy (deceased), and then of Leslie Smith (deceased). She was a precious sister to Robert Merrifield (Marjorie), loving mother to Susan and Christopher (Elizabeth), devoted grandmother to Kate Sheese, Patrick Sheese (Valerie), Ryan (Julie) and Evan (Rachel), and adoring great-grandmother to Nathaniel, as well as a loving aunt and great-aunt to many.

Born, raised and married in England, she and Paddy moved to Canada in 1956 where she became a ground-breaking elementary schoolteacher in North York for over 30 years. As an active member of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, she served in many roles including one of the first female deacons, as well as being friend and mentor to so many over the years.

She was an avid gardener, accomplished cook, tennis and badminton player. She and husband Paddy are well-remembered for their many "curry parties" and other festive gatherings in their home over the years. The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the outstanding compassionate care for Sheila from all the staff at Amica at Unionville and the staff at First Class Home Care (especially Maria and Robertha) over the last two months of her life.

Friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of Sheila's life on Sunday June 4 at 2pm at Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Ave. West, (2 stoplights west of Yonge Street), in Toronto. A reception will follow. (Family will be available for visitation prior to service from 1 to 1:45pm.) In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer's Society.