Norma Irene Murphy

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Norma Murphy-Chappell. Norma struggled bravely and with dignity against lymphoma for over 20 years and was taken from us unexpectedly on August 25th in the loving arms of her husband, Dennis.

Norma was born on September 29, 1940 and was predeceased by her younger brother, Stanley Murphy in February 2013 and her father, Norman Murphy in August 2007. She leaves behind her loving husband of 25 years, Dennis Chappell, her mother Audrey Murphy, her devoted and much loved son, Lee Howell, numerous relatives, nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends.

Norma was born in Berwyn, Alberta in the beautiful Peace River country where she lived with her family before moving to Chilliwack in 1946 to attend school. She graduated from high school in 1958, in Innisfail, Alberta and later pursued a career in nursing. She attained her RN degree at the Holy Cross Nursing School in Calgary, Alberta over 50 years ago. She loved nursing and worked in many different hospitals during her lengthy career.

Norma's only son, Lee Howell, was born in 1968 in New Westminster, BC. She first met her future husband, Dennis in Coquitlam and later re-connected and married him through their church in Abbotsford. They shared many wonderful times together. Norma was very active with her church over the years. She taught Sunday School, facilitated as a camp leader for children, participated for many years in the Heart to Heart Ladies Group, volunteered for Victim's Assistance and was currently the librarian at Chilliwack Evangelical Missionary Church. She was an avid reader and loved to discuss her latest 'good' read with others. Norma also had a passion for horses and shared her love of riding with many young people. She loved animals of all kinds but had a special fondness for dogs. Her home and her heart was always open to them. Dennis and Norma loved to go camping, especially on the Oregon sea coast and traveled across Canada in 2006.

Norma had a very generous spirit and she didn't leave anything off her bucket list. She lived her life well and leaves behind many family and friends who will miss her warmth, wit, and welcoming arms.

A Celebration of her Life Service will be held on Friday, August 30, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the Chilliwack Evangelical Missionary Church, 9310 Williams St, Chilliwack.