Lillian Isabell Murphy

Lillian (Lily) Isabelle Murphy (nee Wright) Feb 7 1926 - Dec 2, 2015
Only 2 months short of her 90th birthday, Lily Murphy's soul took flight.

Predeceased by parents John (""Jack"") and Margaret Wright, brother Ron and ex-husband Gordon, she is survived by her son Ron, daughter Laurel, grandchildren Braeden and Flynn, and will also be missed by Cheryl, Tosh, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Lily's effervescent personality, colourful wardrobe, youthful spirit and infectious laughter will be missed greatly by those that loved her.

Lily was born in Ocean Falls, B.C., lived briefly in Vancouver and spent her childhood in Powell River. She was a lively and verbal child (her mother used to give her a penny for every 5 minutes she could be quiet) and by the age of three, she was dancing and singing ""Tiptoe Through the Tulips"" for anyone who would listen (especially during Sunday outings on the Vancouver trolley car.) The story goes that she sang in the high school glee club, fell in love with ""Chuck"" at 14, worked at Powell Stores and as a secretary in the local high school.

Music was the constant in Lily's life. She studied piano and classical voice with Mrs. Hopper who had great belief in her talent and guided her to win the first Foley Music award for voice in 1945. With many letters of recommendation and encouragement from supporters in Powell River, Lily moved to Vancouver at the age of 19 to pursue her dream of singing and dancing with Theatre Under the Stars. Finances, however, proved to be an obstacle, so instead she found work as a dental assistant, stenographer and secretary for the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons. She continued to sing in choirs, and as a soloist at weddings and funerals, eventually working as a soloist for Royal Oak Funeral Chapel in Burnaby. Her beautiful mezzo soprano voice melted the hearts of many. Click here for audio samples: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwUKe_Wtz6BCLcG8GjRtS7A

One night at Canadian Memorial Church, a handsome and humorous Merchant Marine appeared at choir practice, fell in love with her voice, and was determined to win her heart. Lillian succumbed to his charms and married Gordon in 1950, a ceremony presided over by her grandfather Rev John H Wright. The couple set sail on the often stormy seas of marriage and children until 27 years later, when they parted ways. Lily moved to Gabriola Island for 17 years, then to Victoria, enjoying island life and excursions to dance in Arizona and travel to exotic destinations. She finally returned to Vancouver in 2003 where she spent her remaining time in Kitsilano with Laurel, Tosh and Muffy.

It is the end of an era. Lily was a truly unique individual with an indomitable spirit and a generous heart. In her memory, she would ask that you give the gift of your smile to complete strangers, dress with a flourish, dance whenever possible, talk to people in store line-ups, laugh at the corniest jokes, make sure that your shoes match your hat, give presents to anyone who is nice to you, and treat everyone like they are your best friend.

A Celebration of Life will be held Jan 8, 2016, 2pm at Canadian Memorial Church, 1806 W.15th and Burrard. Reception to follow. For info ""contact"" at laurelmurphy.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Callanish Society (www.callanish.org) 2277, West 10th Ave, Vancouver BC, V6K 2J1, Canada