MURPHY, Anne Elizabeth
Of Toronto, passed away at her home on Monday, September 14, 2026 in her 85th year. Anne was predeceased by her parents Vincent and Madeleine Murphy; siblings: Daniel Murphy and his wife Muriel, Tom Murphy, Margaret Murphy, and Frank Murphy and his wife Fran. She will be remembered by her beloved nieces and nephews: Anne Marie (Taylor) Lambert, Patrick Murphy, Michael (Patti) Murphy, Paul (Lucille) Murphy, Mary Margaret (Adam) Taborek, Katharine (James) Smith, Maureen (Joanne) Murphy, Peter Murphy (Ekaterina Riazantseva), Troy (Krystal) Murphy, David Murphy, Daniel Murphy (Vengielyn Relles); and their families. She will also be fondly remembered by her many lifelong friends in the Toronto area and beyond. Anne attended the University of Toronto, where she learned that famed Canadian Media theorist Marshall McLuhan asked the same question (about Walt Whitman) on every final exam. After graduating, she taught physical education at Central Commerce Collegiate (Central Toronto Academy), in addition to coaching a variety of sports ranging from volleyball to track and field. She wasn’t the most talented athlete, but she didn’t need to be. Sports were tools for building communities, for her, and developing friendships that lasted a lifetime. And her love for teamwork persisted, following her retirement, as she became a regular at card clubs in the greater Toronto area, making countless new friends playing Bridge. Despite becoming a popular Torontonian, Anne never lost touch with where she came from. Every summer she would return to the family farm (in Mount Forest) to feed the cats, attend church, and get caught up on the local gossip. It was on this farm that she hosted many events, as well, bringing family and friends together to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays. To say that Anne will be missed by those who knew her, would be an understatement. She was an independent spirit devoted to her family and community who inspired those around her to live freely and joyfully. And she kept in touch with everyone, providing a steady stream of updates, ensuring that we didn’t lose touch with each other. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mary of the Purification Parish, 310 Parkside Drive, Mount Forest, on Saturday, September 19th at 10:00am. Immediately following the Mass, everyone was invited to the interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, 9375 Lover’s Lane, Mount Forest. A time of fellowship and visiting was held at the parish hall from 12:00 – 2:00pm. To view a recording of the Mass, please visit the funeral home website and click on the link below Anne’s obituary. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Anne are asked to consider Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Online condolences and donations may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com
