Isabel Mary Murray

passed away peacefully with her son at her side at

Hollyburn House in West Vancouver on April 13,

2020. She is survived by her son Brian (Carol),

grandchildren Jennifer (Aaron) and Michael, great

grandchildren Elijah and Benjamin. As well, brotherin-

law Bob Menzies and numerous nieces, nephews

and friends, too many to list. However, Isabel took

an active interest in her extended families’ many

accomplishments throughout her life.

Isabel was predeceased by her loving husband

Jack in 1996, brothers William, Alistair and sisters Janet,

Betty and Margret. Isabel was born in Aberdeen

Scotland to Alexander and Mary Duffus on October

20, 1920. At age eight, Isabel along with her

brother and two sisters, emigrated to Canada.

They disembarked at Quebec City, traveled by rail

to the Bulkley Valley in Northern B.C. near Telkwa

and settled on their new farm. Isabel often

remarked about her excitement and fears as she

entered a new and challenging environment.

Some challenges were riding a horse to school six

miles in a blizzard, plowing fields with horses and

feeding livestock. This pioneer experience shaped

her personality: she was very hardworking,

determined, hopeful and helpful to those in need.

As the eldest girl growing up in a large boisterous

family, she was capable, extroverted, assertive and

a little bossy. In 1940, her family moved to Prince

Rupert where Isabel met and married her beloved

husband of 55 years, Jack Murray. He was tall,

handsome, and very patient. In 1942, their only son

Brian was born. After the war, the Murrays made

short stays in Kelowna, Houston Texas and

Thunder Bay before building a home in West

Vancouver in 1954. They remained there for the

rest of their lives.

Isabel created beautiful gardens at her new home

and as a volunteer gardener at Canuck Place and

the West Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club. She often

canvassed door to door fund raising for charitable

causes. Taking grandchildren Jennifer and Mike to

Tunstall Bay on Bowen Island for a weekend was

one of her favourite times. Isabel worked in the

women’s clothing business and made many

friends over the years. Isabel’s family would like to

thank her devoted friends who phoned and visited

often in the last few years. You made her life much

better. Thank you to the excellent staff at Hollyburn

House for their great care. Isabel was a bright

hardworking community minded woman who was

devoted to family, friends and anyone in need of

help. Because of the Covid crisis, there will be no

service. If you wish, make a donation to a charity of

your choice.