Evelyn Mae Murray (Monteith), aged 96 years, passed away Sunday morning April 2, 2017 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with family by her side. Evelyn was born in Galva, Iowa, on August 20, 1920. She moved to Fort William in 1923 with her parents Robert and Nina Monteith who had moved to Iowa from Fort William after World War I to farm. Evelyn was the second oldest of 7 sisters and brothers. Evelyn's life was shaped by the depression and World War II. She left high school before completion to work and earn money for the family during the depression when her father became ill. During the war, she worked in the production planning office of Canada Car making Hurricanes and US Navy carrier planes. In 1945 she married Thomas Murray and they were happily married for 66 years until he passed in October of 2011.
Evelyn is survived by her children Bruce (Barb), Sally (David) Hamilton of Rockwood, Bill (Matilda) of California, Doug (Pam), and Nancy (Grahame) Leavitt; grandchildren Todd (Jodie), Carole, Michael (Julie), Christopher (Kim), Michael, Sean (Brianna), Kathleen (Vijay), Megan, Matthew (Shannon), and Michelle (Scott); her great grandchildren Makensie, Courtney, Sarah, Katie, Cole, Lucas, Logan and Lachlan. Evelyn is survived by her sister Merna Greaves, brother Irv (Maureen) Monteith, sister-in-laws Deanie Monteith, Ethel Murray and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Mom never formally returned to the work world after Canada Car, but she did work elections, sell Fuller Brush and Regal Cards to raise extra money. She drove our family's work ethic, the need to stretch a dollar, no wasting and the need for an education. She and Tom had all their children complete post-secondary education and had someone in college or university for 18 straight years. We are truly thankful for the sacrifices they made to make this happen. Mom’s main interest past her children was cooking, large gardens at the back of the Victoria Avenue house and going to camp at Lake Shebandowan with Tom. She enjoyed when everyone came home to visit and also enjoyed travelling to California to visit her family.
Evelyn was proud of her Irish history and we always thought she had the luck of the Irish with her constant winnings on scratch tickets and occasional trips to the casino.
A Graveside Service for Mrs. Evelyn Murray will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Mountain View Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm at the Victoria Inn.
If friends and family so desire, in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations in memory of Evelyn Murray to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre or St. Joseph’s Care Group.
