Maida Nora Elizabeth Murray

January 17, 1946 – July 23, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maida Murray at the age of 80, who died peacefully while drinking coffee and watching the birds through her kitchen window.

Maida was the beloved daughter of George Murray and Nora (“Nonie”) Murray, and one of ten children of the High Street Murrays of Pictou—a family known for its closeness, spirited conversation, and deep community roots.

Maida was a woman of compassion, intelligence, and quiet strength whose life was devoted to making the world kinder and more just. She believed deeply in the dignity of every person and lived it through action. She served as President of UNICEF Nova Scotia and the Pictou Heritage Society and was a dedicated volunteer with the Ecology Action Centre. She also gave many years to preparing and serving meals through the Daily Bread Outreach program, where she ensured that those experiencing homelessness were welcomed with both nourishment and respect. Maida had a rare ability to see the humanity in everyone she met, and she inspired others through both her example and her unwavering kindness.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. Sandy Murray, with whom she shared a life rich in love, partnership, travel, seafood chowder, and family.

She leaves behind her children, Dr. Christian Murray (Dr. Natashia Grell), Dr. Michele Murray (Dr. Michael Kilcup), and Geordie Murray. She was a devoted and joyful grandmother to Shannon, Alex, Sofia, Aviva, Sandy, and Sienna, who delighted her with their creativity, laughter, and art projects.

Maida was a proud graduate of Pictou Academy, St. Francis Xavier University, and Dalhousie University. Her lifelong commitment to learning and service was recognized with her induction into the St. FX Hall of Honour in 1992. She brought both intellect and conviction to her work in journalism at the St. FX campus newspaper, the Dartmouth Free Press, and CBC Television, and she never hesitated to use her voice in the pursuit of fairness and human rights.

An accomplished artist, Maida found joy in creating and sharing beauty. She was also a gifted and generous host, whose table was always open. Her home was a place of warmth, lively conversation, thoughtful debate, and frequent laughter—where friends, neighbours, and newcomers alike were welcomed as family. She held a special connection to her home in Caribou, Pictou, where she drew deep happiness from the sea, the landscape, and time spent with those she loved.

An avid reader, she was a cherished member of the same book club for nearly 40 years. A thoughtful and committed feminist, she encouraged others—especially women—to find their voices and pursue their ambitions with confidence.

Maida brought joy wherever she went. She had an infectious smile, a quick wit, and a love of music—often singing with enthusiasm that inevitably drew others in. Her warmth, humour, and bright spirit were constants in the lives of those who knew her.

She will be remembered for her compassion, generosity, creativity, fierce sense of social justice, and boundless hospitality. Her legacy lives on in her family and in the many lives she touched through her leadership, friendship, and service. She made her community—and the world—a better place through the way she lived each day.

Instead of flowers, those wishing to honour Maida’s memory may do so by donating to a local charity of their choice or to any close to Maida’s heart, such as Daily Bread Outreach Halifax, UNICEF, Ecology Action Centre, Dr. Sandy Murray Research in Medicine Program Dalhousie University. Equally, you can give back in any way you can with a kind deed to support someone who needs your help and love. Maida would appreciate that.

Visitation will be held on Thursday July 30, 2026 from 5-6:30 pm and a celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Friday July 31, 2026 at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com (http://www.jasnowfuneralhome.com/)