September 17, 1942 – October 22, 2018
Dr. Murdena Marie Marshall passed away peacefully on Monday, October 22, 2018 at home surrounded by her family.
Born in Whycocomagh, she was the daughter of the late Roddie and Elizabeth (Sylliboy) Stevens.
She was a member of Holy Family parish, Eskasoni. Murdena graduated from Harvard with a Masters in Education then she obtained her Doctorate at CBU and was a national role model of her Mi’kmaq culture. She was instrumental to the Mi’kmaq Language program and Integrative Science Program. She won many awards throughout her lifetime of service. Murdena was always giving of herself to her community and family, as the granddaughter of the late Grand Chief Gabriel and Harriet Marshall-Sylliboy, traditions were very important to Murdena. In her own words, “I’ve always been blessed with people who knew and honoured their traditions, and who helped me see how important it is for our people to look at life through the Mi’kmaq eye. Now when I look at the way our language is coming back into use, when I see how proud our children are of their songs and prayers and stories of their ancestors, I feel very humbled that I have been able to play a small part in their happiness.”
Murdena is survived by her husband, Dr. Albert Marshall; children, Elizabeth (Chris), Alfred (Mary), Inkin (Sheraine), Michelle (Philip), Albert J. (Andrea), Aaron (Judy); numerous grand and great grandchildren; sisters, Diana, Patsy (Barry), Kathy, Annie Catherine (Michael), Mary E. (Francis), Veronica, Martha (Kennis), Bridget Ann, special sisters, Jessie, Harriet, Betty Ann and Mabel; brothers, Roderick, Tom (Kathleen), Calvin (Claude); special brother George (Grace) and brother-in-law Gabriel.
She was predeceased by her son Tommy, daughter Denise and special parents, Victor and Jessie (Sylliboy) Jeddore.
A special thanks to Dr. Crosby, Audrey Young and Home Care workers.
Visitation will begin at 7 pm on Thursday, October 25 at 1 Crane Cove Road, Eskasoni. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 27 at 2 pm at Holy Family Church with Fr. Everett MacDow officiating. Interment in the parish cemetery. Salite will take place at the Sarah Denny Cultural Center, Eskasoni.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com
