Irene Blair Murray, age 96, of New Glasgow, passed away peacefully at the Aberdeen Hospital on July 28, 2022.
Born in New Glasgow, Irene graduated from Acadia University and went on to a varied and exciting career. Irene first worked in Toronto for a news editor with the Toronto Star at the same time as Ernest Hemmingway was a staff writer. She then worked in Ottawa where she was employed by the Foreign Service and the Department of External Affairs. This included time in London, with NATO in Belgium and at the Canadian Embassy in Yugoslavia. While in Ottawa, Irene worked for several members of the federal cabinet including Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and the Honourable Paul Martin Sr. Irene was working in Ottawa during several international events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis.
After Irene’s career in external affairs, she assisted in founding the Institute for Research on Public Policy, a non-partisan research centre in Ottawa. Irene returned to New Glasgow to care for her mother. While so doing, Irene worked for the CNR, Maritime Steel and the Federal employment office.
Irene was predeceased by her parents, Ethel ("Essie") Blair and Wilfred Kingsley ("Paddy") Murray; her sisters, Joyce Fowler and Patricia Rushbrook; her sisters-in- law, Myrtle Murray and Betty Murray; her brothers-in-law, Victor Fowler and James Rushbrook; and nephew, Chris Murray.
She is survived by her siblings, Douglas (Annie) Murray, Halifax; James Murray, Ottawa; Gordon Murray, Antigonish (formerly New Glasgow); and Frank (Barbara) Murray, Lower Sackville. She is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Irene was a private person who loved her family, enjoyed spending time with her pets and her many friends and neighbours. Irene spent most of her summers in Meadowville.
The family expresses our sincere gratitude to all the doctors, nurses and homecare workers involved in her care.
Cremation has taken place. At Irene’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private memorial and spreading of her ashes will take place in her beloved Meadowville in August.
Memorial donations may be made to any animal shelter or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.