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Anne Murphy
September 14, 2026
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 will be celebrated at the St. Mary of the Purification Parish, 310 Parkside Drive, Mount Forest, on Saturday, September 19th at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following the Mass, everyone is invited to the interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, 9375 Lover’s Lane, Mount Forest. A time of fellowship and visiting will be held at the parish hall from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Those unable to attend the Mass are invited to view the livestream by clicking the link below.
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
Funeral Mass for Anne Murphy
Condolences
Anne and I were colleagues at Central Commerce Collegiate and eventually shared an office as Co-op teachers. She was a great colleague and a very good friend to me. It was in the days when teaching high school was actually fun, so we had lots of laughs together. Anne always spoke her mind--especially to those in authority! Above all, she cared deeply for her students. I also recall how she often spoke to me about the members of her family. She obviously loved her family. Sincere condolences to all the Murphy's at this very sad time. Anne really was "one-of-kind."
— Rob Ross, September 16, 2026