Mrs. Dorothy Theresa Murphy

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life so beautifully lived that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Dorothy Theresa Murphy (née Fox), who entered eternal rest, held in the love of her family, on Saturday, December 20th in her 100th year.

Dorothy Fox was born in September 1926 to John and Della (née Graham) Fox. Raised among her beloved siblings—Della, John (Mary), Edward (Theresa), and Marion—Dorothy’s early years were shaped by faith, family, and the spirited life of the Fox family farm in what was then Lansing, now North York. The Fox name became well known for equal measures of mischief, devotion, and unwavering family values.

In 1952, Dorothy married the love of her life, Edward “Eddy” Murphy. Their marriage of 27 years was filled with devotion and companionship until her Eddy’s untimely passing in 1979—a loss Dorothy carried with quiet strength.

Together, Dorothy and Eddy raised six children: Patricia, Michael, the late John the first, Kathleen, John, Father Edward, and special daughter Mary Ellen. Through their children’s marriages, Dorothy warmly welcomed Michael, Janet, Robert, Elizabeth, and Charles into the family.

Dorothy’s later years were richly blessed with her grandchildren: Edward (Christa), Thomas James (Tiffany), Ashleigh (Michael), Lindsay (Jason), Shaunna-Marie (Tomoyuki), Krystin (Nicholas), Michaela (Mark), Meaghan (Cody), Kyle (Katelyn), and Timothy; and her great-grandchildren: Olivia, Carter, Eleanor, Abigail, Evelyn, Mari, Cruz, Sadler, Keaton, Emilia, Estelle, Jaden and great grandson expected in January. Her pride in her family knew no bounds.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, Dorothy was a steady presence in every life she touched. She was sought out for her wisdom, trusted for her honesty, and remembered for her quiet generosity—always helping others without seeking recognition. With her passing, we mourn the loss of her warmth, guidance, and enduring love.

At Dorothy’s request, flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Refuge (412 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON M5A 1T3).

Friends may call at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home, Thornhill Chapel (8088 Yonge St.) on Saturday, December 27th and Sunday, December 28th from 2pm to 8pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church (75 Churchill Ave., North York) on Monday, December 29th at 10:30am.

Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.