Alice Margaret Murray (nee Murphy)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Alice Margaret Murray (84 years old), in Ottawa, on Thursday June 18th, 2020. Beloved mother of Patrick (Rebecca), Fiona (Don), Brian (Kristin) and Christopher. Cherished daughter of Jessica and James Murphy, sister of predeceased Jill Spencer-Phillips and of brothers Donough (her Dodo) Murphy and Lorcan (her Locks) Murphy (Siobhan).
Alice was Granny to Katherine, James, Timothy Eoin, Fiona Siobhan, Ella, Dylan, Alice, Tara, Paige, Nicholas and Patrick. Also Auntie Alice to Thady (Pam), Sarah (Nicholas), Sean (Jamilah) and their children, as well as her godchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews whom with she spent many years in Ottawa, Ireland and London. Mom will be especially missed by her bother-in-law Tim Murray and sister-in-law Jane Murray who were always there for her.
Alice was born in Dublin, Ireland on March 6th, 1936, and grew up at Ballinora House, 11 Butterfield Drive, Village of Rathfarnham. Alice graduated from Loretto College to pursue a successful career as a fashion model in London. She met and married her brother Donough's best friend, fellow architect Patrick Murray, on April 4th, 1964.
Pat and Alice returned to Ottawa where Pat and brother Tim Murray eventually established Murray & Murray Architects. Alice earned her degree in Film Studies and Journalism from Carleton University. She leveraged those studies and her wit to become an accomplished fashion and style writer. She was editor/writer for The Ottawa Journal, Ottawa Sunday Post, The Ottawa Sun, The Ottawa Citizen, Sunday Herald, Diplomat Magazine, and writer for City and Country Home.
Alice never disappointed in her avant-guard, fashion-forward styles and was rarely seen at events without a spectacular hat. As Rockcliffe Park’s First Lady for over 15 years, Alice was involved in almost every aspect of the Village's social and community scene and always, at the side of her husband, our Dad, Mayor Patrick J. Murray.
Alice loved her tennis, golf and skiing and was always gracious with understated competitiveness. She relished her role as a Founding Member of the Board of Stewards for The Murray Olympics, taking her ruthlessly competitive approach to sandcastle design– while nursing a gin martini.
In all her world travels, her sweet tooth never waned,nor did her zest for adventure. Or adventure’s zest for her! The generosity of spirit and joy she took in celebrating family, friends and life was second to none. Together with Pat, they shared over 46 years of love and devotion, not only to each other, but all those around them.
Our family acknowledges and thanks the incredible team and staff at The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus on D7 - Chris, Kathy, Lisa, Peter, John, Enid, Rudy… EVERYONE on D7, all of whom provided support, love and care of Alice over the last 6 months. The D7 team adopted her as one of their own, including her in daily routines, sang with her, laughed with her, and made her smile. They went above and beyond, and we are grateful.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Alice's name to The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew.