Obituary of Doris Patterson Murray

February 21, 1913 – September 19, 2014 Doris passed away peacefully after a brief stay at the McKenney Creek Hospice in Maple Ridge. She was 101 years young. Doris is predeceased by her parents William and Bessie (nee Patterson) Armstrong; her beloved husband J. Ross Murray; and her three brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob and Jean Armstrong, Ken (Mike) and Evelyn Armstrong, and Bill and Ethel Armstrong. She is survived by her daughter Patricia Murray; her daughter Lynne and son-in-law Boyd Shanks; grandsons David Shanks (Miriam) and Michael Shanks (Lexa); granddaughter Jessica Wooldridge (Craig); great-grandchildren William, Tristan, Tatiana, Mia, Sam, and Alexander; niece Verna Ranger (Eric); and nephews, Vernon Armstrong (Joan), Bill Armstrong (Patti), Tom Murray (Janet), and K. Ross Murray (Betty). Two years after Doris was born in Edmonton, the Armstrong family moved to Port Mann and then New Westminster. Her father, who was born in Scotland, was a Locomotive Superintendent at the CNR Port Mann shops which employed 400 men. Her mother, a very talented homemaker, was born and raised in Brantford, Ontario. After completing her study at business school, Doris enjoyed a 16-year career as a legal secretary for New Westminster lawyers. She was an avid golfer, singer, bowler, member of the New Westminster Business and Professional Women’s Club, Eastern Star, and Sunday School teacher at Saint Aidan’s Presbyterian Church. After marrying RCAF officer Ross Murray (DFC), Doris lived on air force bases in Canada and France. After Ross’ retirement from the RCAF in 1960, the family moved to B.C. from Ontario, settling in Burnaby before Ross and Doris moved to Maple Ridge in 1970. Between her mid-70s and early 90s, Doris travelled to the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Hawaii and Alaska, and to many places in Europe. Doris will be missed for her positive outlook on life, her sense of humour, her love of singing, and her loving care and concern for her family. The family wishes to thank at-home-caregivers Demmy, Megan and Trixia; Dr. Shiraz Mawani; and the McKenney Creek Hospice staff for taking such wonderful care of Doris. Please join family and friends on Saturday, September 27th at 1:00 p.m. for a celebration of Doris’ life at Garden Hill Funeral Home: 11765 224th Street, Maple Ridge, B.C. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Doris’ name to the medical research of your choice.