EVELYN MURPHY

With profound sadness and shock, the family of Evelyn Anne Murphy, announces her unexpected, but peaceful passing on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025, at TBRHSC, with her family by her side. Evelyn was born on July 28th, 1951, in Québec City, Québec, to proud parents John & Wilma Coughlin (née Weyman). Evelyn grew up the second of three children in Lévis, QC. Evelyn was a cherished younger sister to Marilyn and a wise older sister to Brian. She was a studious young girl and was proud to achieve the highest marks in her class throughout elementary and high school. She spent her summers at the family home on Garneau Beach, where she met her best friend, Brenda. Evelyn and Brenda had many adventures together over the years, including road trips to Old Orchard Beach, Maine and experiencing the height of Trudeaumania in Quebec. Evelyn moved to Sherbrooke, QC, in 1969, to attend nursing school. She returned home to take a gap year in 1970, where she worked at the local CAA store, on the Grande-Allée in Quebec, before returning to her education. Evelyn graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1973 from the Saint John School of Nursing, in Saint John, NB. She had many fond memories of her time in Saint John, especially her weekend "lobster runs" with friends to Grand Manan Island, NB. With employment opportunities being plentiful in Halifax, Evelyn relocated there upon graduation and began working at the Halifax Infirmary. Evelyn's relocation to Halifax began a new chapter in her and her family's lives; shortly after her move, her parents and siblings joined her. It was in Halifax she met the love of her life, Chris Murphy, a charismatic and young Navy sailor, at the Fleet Club. Evelyn and Chris married on February 22, 1975, in Halifax, on the Navy base Chris was stationed on, after a short three-month courtship. A couple of years after they married, Chris and Evelyn welcomed Shauna Leanne to their family in Halifax. Together, Chris, Evelyn and Shauna made their final move to Thunder Bay in 1978. Evelyn's career in Thunder Bay began in the ICU and Paediatric units at St Joseph's Hospital, moving to the Port Arthur General Hospital, working in the Neonatal ICU, then Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, working as a psychiatric nurse, before her final move to Dawson Court in 1983. While she was settling into her new workplace, Chris and Evelyn welcomed their second daughter, Ashley Marie. Evelyn spent the rest of her career at Dawson Court, where she was a valued leader and clinician. She was fiercely passionate about her career; she was meticulous, thorough and was always curious and learning. Evelyn was proud to have helped so many patients and residents with compassion throughout the years and considered her career as a nurse her calling. In 2016, Evelyn retired from Dawson Court, and began the next chapter of her life, which was completely devoted to her growing family. She was Shauna and Ashley's trusted and loving caregiver for all their children. Evelyn was present for the birth of all her grandchildren and has nurtured her grandchildren ever since. Evelyn spent almost every day with her grandchildren, time she cherished deeply. She was always available for her family, offering her guidance and a listening ear as a trusted confidant. Evelyn was known as the family nurse who was on call for her daughters and all their close friends. Evelyn cherished these years, spending time with her daughters, watching her grandchildren grow up, and experiencing all their firsts with them. Evelyn's influence and memory will live on with her daughters and their children forever. Evelyn will be deeply missed by her devoted husband of 50 years, Chris, her two loving daughters, Shauna (Chris Jones), and Ashley (Deryk Fournier), her grandchildren, Camden and Michaela Crupi, and Patryk, John, and James Fournier. Her sister Marilyn McAvoy (Jack Ibel) (Halifax, NS), her brother Brian (Moncton, NB), brother-in-law Vince McAvoy, nephews Gary (Cathy) McAvoy, and Brian (Katie) McAvoy, great-nephew and niece Ethan and Abbie McAvoy, all in Halifax, and best friend Brenda Barnett (Douglas Robertson) (Montréal, QC) will also miss her dearly. She is also survived by many cousins and friends in Thunder Bay, Montréal, Québec City, New Brunswick, and Halifax. Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, John and Wilma Coughlin (née Weyman), her father-in-law Patrick Murphy, her mother-in-law and close friend Marie Murphy, the father of her grandchildren Tony Crupi, as well as her grandparents, and numerous aunts and uncles. Evelyn was a woman known for many things, she was a caring, compassionate person to all. Evelyn was a devoted matriarch, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, a cherished sister and a valued friend. She was a soft, easily approachable person who brought humour, light, and warmth to every room she entered. Evelyn was a devout Toronto Blue Jays fan, an expert Wordle player, was always up to date with current events, and family member's locations. Above all, she was devoted to her family, who were her pride and joy. Our family would like to thank Dr. Bryanne Minty, Dr. Kristina Pulkki, and Dr. Paul de Bakker for their continued care for Evelyn over the years. We would also like to thank the paramedics for all their efforts and Dr. Savage at the TBRHSC. A Funeral Service was held on Monday, January 5th, 2026, at 11:00AM, at Sargent & Son Funeral Home, located at 21 N. Court Street, Thunder Bay, presided by Rev. Markus Arseneault. Visitation took take place at 10:00AM prior to the service at the funeral home. A private family entombment will take place at a later date. A live stream of the Funeral Service will be available at www.sargentandson.com, or through their Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, the Murphy family kindly requests that donations be made in Evelyn's memory to the Northern Cancer Fund, or the Northern Cardiac Fund.