Philomena Brigid Murray

Born in Galway, Ireland, on January 28, 1943, Philomena was the beloved sister of Kathleen Bergin (Dr. Michael Bergin), Maura Mitchell (late Terry Mitchell), Dr. Tom Murray (late Mary Murray), John Murray, and Patrick Murray (late Mary Murray). Her warmth and love extended to her nieces and nephews, including Fiona Bergin (Paul Festeryga), Ailish McIntyre (Don McIntyre), Siobhan Bergin (Philip Fraser), Patrick Bergin (Janet Hurley), Deirdre Bergin (Erik Ostling), and her many nieces and nephews in Ireland, and grandnieces and grandnephews both in Canada and Ireland. Philomena was predeceased by her mother, Margaret (Mitchell) Murray and her father, Thomas Murray.

In her early years, life was an adventure for Philomena. She loved to travel and experience new places. She ventured from Galway, Ireland to London, England and later came to Canada, living in Nova Scotia, Toronto, and Vancouver. Philomena was drawn back to Nova Scotia to her sister Kathleen and to work with her brother in-law, Dr. Michael Bergin, where she played an instrumental role in helping him establish a medical practice in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Philomena and Kathleen were faithful companions and a special place was made for Philomena in the Bergin family.

Philomena later moved to Halifax where she had a long and dedicated career working for the Federal Government, Department of Fisheries, until her retirement in 2013.

Last year, Philomena made a final, poignant journey to Ireland, returning to her roots and to her many loving family members. She had a special reunion with her dear friend of nearly six decades, Helen Fegan (Danny).

Philomena cultivated many wonderful and enduring friendships from all areas of her life: work, social, and her condo community. As testimony to Philomena’s kind, caring, and loyal nature, her friends were with her and kept her spirits lifted during her illness. Many were able to visit her in her final weeks in palliative care to provide company and comfort. Her family is very grateful for their support.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the personal care workers (Parkwood Homecare Team) whose compassion and wonderful, sensitive care soothed and supported Philomena in her final months. Special acknowledgement goes to Dr. Mary MacNeil and the Oncology team, the Palliative Care team on 7A and her Primary Health Care Team.

A celebration of Philomena's life will take place at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, 6903 Mumford Rd. Halifax on Friday, December 8th, at 10 am, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. A private family interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Nova Scotia: Souls Harbour Rescue Mission (www.shrm.ca), a charity close to Philomena's heart, reflecting her spirit of giving back.