Irene Isobel Murphy

January 24, 1931 - June 27, 2019
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Irene Isobel (Carter) Murphy on June 27, 2019 in Creston, B.C. at the age of 88.
Irene was born in Grand Forks, B.C.on 24 January, 1931 to Douglas and Adeline Carter. She spent her early years in Grand Forks and Langley and finished high school in Trail. After attending Normal School in Victoria, Irene moved to Creston in 1950 for her first teaching position in Wynndel, B.C. Irene met Maury Murphy soon after arriving and they were married April 12, 1952. She lived on their orchard farm in Erickson throughout their 67 years of marriage.
Irene worked as a teacher in the Creston Valley for many years and always encouraged her children and grandchildren in their educational pursuits. Family dinners usually involved Irene checking the dictionary or encyclopedia to answer a question. If Irene did not know the answer to a question, she always knew where to look it up. Irene was accomplished at research and organization and for over 67 years she was Maury's right-hand support with his Lions Club projects.
Irene was a lifetime member of the United Church, an avid bird watcher and Treasurer of the Creston Field Naturalists, and an active member of the Erickson History group. She was a crossword enthusiast and a formidable opponent in any game requiring strategy or wit. Irene enjoyed square dancing, round dancing, and many RV holidays with Maury, travelling all the way across Canada as well as all over B.C., Alberta, Alaska, Yukon, the Western United States, and Mexico. Irene visited Ireland with Maury and her daughters and England and France with her nieces and sister Kathleen.
Irene was a caring, selfless individual who loved her family and was always there to support them in any way she could, be it taking the bus to Dawson Creek for the birth of a granddaughter or driving to Regina in a winter storm for the graduation of her grandson. She enjoyed the theatre, music and the arts. Irene was a strong and vibrant woman who lived by the sayings, "if you start something, finish it" and "anything worth doing, is worth doing well". Irene was gracious and accepting of others and is remembered for saying "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all".
Irene is survived by her husband Maury; son Kevin (Margaret); daughters Sheila (Ray) and Janice (Gordon); grandchildren Jennifer (Matt), David (Jessica), Kevin, Mike (Amanda), Connor, Erin, Kate (Noah), and Clayton (Sandy); and great grandchildren, Hannah, Beau, Carter, Cohen, and Claire. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews and their children. Irene's sense of humour and dedication to her family and friends will never be forgotten and she will remain in our hearts forever.
Friends and family are invited to a graveside service, officiated by Reverend Paula Ashby on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Erickson, B.C. A celebration of life reception will follow from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Trinity United Church, 128 10th Avenue North.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Creston Lions Club or the Creston & District Historical & Museum Society.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Creston Valley Hospital and the Swan Valley Lodge for all the loving care given to Irene.