In Loving Memory of

Mary Josephine Stocker

(Maiden: Murphy)
of Edmonton
Jan 4, 1926 - Mar 15, 2015

 

Mary Murphy, born Jan 4/1926, grew up in Dublin in the family home called Preswylfa (peace), which it never was since she was the 3rd eldest of 3 brothers & 4 sisters. She was independent, strong minded & outspoken, a modern girl in no hurry to marry; so after graduation she attended Grafton Academy & earned her Certificate for Dress Design. She became the head cutter/designer at a Slowey's ladies' dress shop. Her flashy red pant suit caught the eye of the handsome Swiss foreigner who lived 10 doors down. A master engraver & jewelry designer, Emil Stocker had come to work in Ireland because of it's fine fishing, but was himself ensnared by the lively Mary.

They married Sept/53 & honeymooned on the ship to Canada (chosen over New Zealand because of it's renowned sport fishing), giving birth to Brian in 1956 & Maureen in 1958. The couple first lived in Edmonton, Emil working at Jedco as a jeweler, but they moved to Quesnel when he joined Westcoast Transmission, finally settling in Savona BC for the rest of their married life. Mary never learned to fish, but was an amazing mother & volunteer, always helping in her children's activities, the church, the school & it's library. Once the children became teenagers, she learned to drive and loved becoming a skilled curler, political supporter (after getting swept up in Trudeau-mania), and Savona's public library helper.

Mary obtained citizenship in 1973, by which time her brother Dermot (Grainne) & sister Noreen (Terry) had both come to Canada too, eventually followed by sister, Angela. Mary loved having her Irish family join her in Canada, and though she loved Ireland she was a fiercely proud Canadian. In 1980, she returned to Edmonton & loved working at the Main Library until forced to retire 1 day before her 66th birthday, a job she often said she would have done for free. Mary kept many friends from her library days especially Jayne Mortenson, a sister at heart, who supported her up to her final days.

Mary passed away peacefully at the grand old age of 89 years. She will be lovingly remembered by many, including her daughter, Maureen (Rick) McKay; 3 sisters Angela Murphy, Noreen (Terry) Mahon, and Mairead Hinchey of Ireland; 7 grandchildren & 7 great grandchildren; and numerous family in Vancouver & Ireland. Mary was predeceased by her husband Emil, cherished son Brian, brothers Dermot, Sean & Thomas, and sister Pauline.


A Funeral Mass will be take place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 18407 - 60 Ave., Edmonton on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.

Heartfelt thank you to the staff at Jasper Place Continuing Care for their gentle, loving care.

Donations in memory of Mary may be made to a charity of your choice.