052738.jpg)
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
Condolences
My deepest condolences. Ms. Murphy was truly a special teacher, coach, and person. I was fortunate to have her as both a teacher and a friend while attending Commerce. She touched the lives of so many students, and she will be remembered fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who knew her.
On behalf of the former Alumni of Central High School of Commerce, we are all saddened to hear of Ms. Murphy's passing. She will always be Ms. Murphy to us, as she was a very much respected teacher. She engaged with us on our High School Facebook page. We had not heard from her for a while and our fears were justified. She was kind, warm and loving and her amazing personality is still living with us all today, as she left a huge mark on our lives. Thank you Ms. Murphy, for your dedication to teaching. We will miss hearing from you but will see you someday again. Our sincerest condolences to her family and friends at this sad time. Rest in Peace.
You were more than a great teacher, you were that parent away from home that cared about our future and well being. You will truly be missed from our brunches especially your laughter and smile.
Our condolences to you and your family.
So sorry to hear about your loss. Miss seeing Ann and Margaret together. Ann was my favourite English teacher.
Lynda and the Page family
Anne was the best person you could possibly meet at a Murphy function. She would spot you in a crowd and welcome you wholeheartedly into her arms with a chuckle, an impish smile, a polite salutation and an update on what was going on! Likewise, you would have to provide the same! I think she had a secret storage of energy, warmth and love for all those she was fond of and an unforgettable laugh and sense of humour to match! An indomitable individual that will be deeply missed at future family gatherings.
Pam Lambert Smalley
Our family was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Anne. She was a beloved neighbour and friend for over 20 years. Halloween night always began at Anne's house. Anne always loved when the kids would walk over and see her and share what was happening in their lives. We will miss seeing the light on in the farm house and knowing she is up for one of her visits. Our condolences to the whole Murphy family on the loss of such a special person. The Gilstorf Family.
— Allan & Brenda Gilstorf, September 17, 2026Anne was one of the friendliest teachers at Central Commerce. I loved her cheerful face whenever I passed her in the hall or sat with her during staff meetings. Blessed be her legacy of joy and laughter!
— ELIZABETH C MOES, September 17, 2026Anne 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