Margaret Mary (Middy) MURPHY

MURPHY (HEFFERNAN), Margaret Mary (Middy)

Longtime Member St. Alphonsus Liguori Parish Passed away peacefully at Extendicare, Peterborough on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 in her 85th year. Beloved wife of the late Paul Murphy (d. January 9, 1979). Loving mother of Christine Young (Dean and children Sydney and Taryn). Beloved sister of Kevin Heffernan (late Barbara) and Michael (Mick) Heffernan (Elaine). Dear sister-in-law of Ruth Heffernan. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Predeceased by her parents Thomas Heffernan and Mary Ellen (Ella) McKeiver and her sister Mary Adele (Della) Johnston (late Bernard) and brothers Donald Heffernan (late Cecile and late Theresa) and Christopher (Wink) Heffernan. Middy is fondly remembered by family and friends, young and old, as the light and life of every gathering. Leading countless sing-a-longs and often coaxed into a step dance with her famous curtsy closing, Middy was a stronghold, generous and joyful, binding together generations of family members. The keeper of family stories, special dates and creator of beautiful crafts for every occasion, never was an opportunity missed to celebrate those she held dear. Memories Middy cherished were growing up in Lakefield and attending Lakefield Public School where she forged life-long friendships, the fun and laughter shared with her parents, siblings and neighbourhood friends on Bishop Street, and singing in the choir and working in the Catholic Women's League at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Middy often and fondly recalled working at the Bell Telephone Exchange in Lakefield and at Black's Clothing Store in downtown Peterborough for 25 years, where she kept the Lakefield girls apprised of the latest city fashions. Middy worked as a cook for the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough and was a long-time and devoted member of St. Alphonsus Parish and the church choir. Forever remembered for the stories, songs, love and laughter seamlessly sewn into each and every moment shared with family and friends of all ages, Middy lives on in our hearts. Her love of life was second only to her love for her daughter, Chris; her pride and joy, her travel companion, her best friend and loving caregiver. Middy's wish for all is a reflection of the simple pleasures enjoyed in her life and found in the music she held so dear: There's a tear in your eye and I'm wondering why that it ever should be there at all with such power in your smile sure a stone you'd beguile and there's never a teardrop should fall when your sweet lilting laughter's like some fairy song and your eyes sparkle bright as can be Oh then laugh all the while and all other times smile and then smile a smile for me Visitation at DUFFUS FUNERAL HOME, 431 George Street South from 1 - 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 22, 2019 (Parish Prayers 4 p.m. on Sunday). Funeral Mass at ST. ALPHONSUS LIGUORI CHURCH on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 11 a.m. Reception to follow in St. Alphonsus Parish Hall. Cremation followed by a private family interment at St. Peter's Cemetery. Middy received tremendous love, care and support from the remarkable nursing staff at Extendicare Peterborough and made fast friends with many of the wonderful residents. Family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for her exceptional care by all staff and especially Dr. Spink. In memory of Middy, donations to St. Alphonsus Church or the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made at www.duffusfuneralhome.com