Thelma Mazzie Murray (nee MacMullin)

Thelma Mazzie Murray (nee MacMullin) passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Thelma was born and raised in Donkin, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on the 18^th of October 1937, daughter of Daniel and Winnifred MacMullin. Once graduated from Morrison High School in Glace Bay, she went on to study theology at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick.  Serving as a student minister during the summer of 1956 in Robinsonville, New Brunswick, she met her future husband Arnold Emerson Murray. Following two years of theology, she changed her career path and became a public school teacher, graduating from the Nova Scotia Teachers College in Truro, Nova Scotia. She taught school in Donkin, Montreal, Quebec City and Germany. Thelma and Arnie were married in Donkin on the 24^th of August 1962. They were just thirty-one days away from celebrating their sixty-second wedding anniversary.

Loving mother of Michael (Jenalyn), Stephen (Janice) and grandmother of her precious grandson Aidan Murray, and adorable granddaughter Ariella Mae Murray. Dear sister of Mary Holland (Paul), Sharon Hines (Bill), brother Melvin MacQueen (Mary), Brian MacMullin (Betty) and Jim MacMullin as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She had a special category of love for each of them.

Thelma was predeceased by her parents, brothers Clarence MacQueen (Lois), Edward MacQueen (Jane), Archie MacMullin, sisters-in-law Marilyn MacMullin, Nina MacMullin, Edith Firth and brothers-in-law Roy Murray, Gary Murray, Wayne Murray, granddaughter Hope Murray, grandsons Rogue Murray and Johan Santos Murray.

Thelma was a very kind and loving person who always looked out for the less fortunate in every community that we lived in. She made friends easily and always was the first to volunteer to take on the difficult tasks. She loved all winter and summer sports and holds a team championship medal for ringette. She loved to travel but she always felt a strong connection with her roots in Cape Breton. She is now at work in God’s garden and although we miss her dearly, we know she will live on in our hearts forever.

Our family would like to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Alissa Visram and her staff at the Ottawa Hospital, the palliative care team of doctors, nurses and PSW’s for the medical and loving care they provided for Thelma. A special thank you to PSW Preet Brar who spent the most time with Thelma and gave her that special loving care that comes from the heart. 

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be held at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Service, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 1 p.m., with Dr. Dan MacKinnon officiating. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the Ottawa Humane Society or a charity of your choice.