It is with great sorrow that the family of Evelyn Anne Murphy announces her sudden, yet peaceful passing on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025, at TBRHSC, surrounded by her loved ones.
Evelyn was born on July 28th, 1951, in Québec City, Québec, to her proud parents John & Wilma Coughlin (née Weyman). She grew up as the second of three siblings in Lévis, QC. Evelyn was a beloved younger sister to Marilyn and a wise older sister to Brian. A dedicated student from a young age, she proudly earned top marks in her class during elementary and high school. Summers were spent at the family home on Garneau Beach where she formed a lasting friendship with Brenda. Together they shared many adventures over the years including road trips to Old Orchard Beach, Maine and enjoying the excitement of Trudeaumania in Quebec.
In 1969, Evelyn moved to Sherbrooke, QC to pursue nursing school. She took a year off in 1970 to work at the local CAA store on Grande-Allée before returning to her studies. In 1973, she graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Saint John School of Nursing in Saint John, NB. She fondly recalled weekend “lobster runs” with friends to Grand Manan Island during her time there. After graduating and noticing ample job opportunities in Halifax, she moved there and began working at the Halifax Infirmary. This move marked a new chapter for both her and her family; soon after relocating, her parents and siblings followed suit. It was also in Halifax where she met Chris Murphy, a charming young Navy sailor at the Fleet Club. They married on February 22nd, 1975 at Chris’s Navy base after just three months of dating.
A few years later they welcomed their daughter Shauna Leanne into their lives while still in Halifax. The family then made their final move to Thunder Bay in 1978. There Evelyn began her career working in ICU and Pediatric units at St Joseph’s Hospital before transitioning to Port Arthur General Hospital’s Neonatal ICU and eventually Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital as a psychiatric nurse before landing at Dawson Court in 1983. While adjusting to this new workplace environment Chris and Evelyn celebrated the arrival of their second daughter Ashley Marie. She dedicated most of her professional life to Dawson Court where she became an esteemed leader and clinician known for being meticulous and eager to learn more about patient care throughout the years.
Evelyn retired from Dawson Court in 2016 starting an exciting new chapter focused entirely on supporting her growing family. She became a loving caregiver for Shauna’s and Ashley’s children – witnessing all their births firsthand and nurturing them ever since then. Almost every day was spent together which brought immense joy for everyone involved as well as providing guidance when needed as their trusted confidant. Known affectionately as the “family nurse”, she always remained available whenever anyone had health questions or concerns within both families’ circles. These moments with daughters watching grandchildren grow brought deep happiness that will forever live within them all.
Evelyn will be missed dearly by Chris , her devoted husband of fifty years; two loving daughters Shauna (Chris Jones) , Ashley(Deryk Fournier); grandchildren Camden , Michaela Crupi ; Patryk , John , James Fournier ; sister Marilyn Mc Avoy(Jack Ibel)(Halifax) brother Brian(Moncton), brother-in-law Vince Mc Avoy ; nephews Gary(Cathy)Mc Avoy , Brian(Katie)Mc Avoy ; great-nephew Ethan, great-niece Abbie(all residing in Halifax); best friend Brenda Barnett(Douglas Robertson)(Montréal) along with countless cousins & friends across Thunder Bay , Montréal , Québec City New Brunswick & Halifax who’ll miss spending time together so much!
She predeceased by parents John & Wilma Coughlin(née Weyman); father-in-law Patrick Murphy; mother-in-law Marie Murphy-who was not only close friend but someone held dear-and Tony Crupi-their grandchildren’s father-as well grandparents numerous uncles/aunts.
Evelyn is remembered not just because of how much love shared but also through strong bonds built around friendship. Always caring compassionate towards others making sure everyone felt valued embraced warmth wherever went. Soft-spoken approachable bringing laughter light into rooms entered like sunshine even on cloudy days! Whether cheering loudly during Blue Jays games engaging puzzle-solving challenges or staying updated regarding news/family whereabouts-she truly enjoyed life devotedly centered around family whom meant everything!
The family would like express gratitude toward Dr. Bryanne Minty Dr. Kristina Pulkki Dr. Paul de Bakker who provided such excellent care throughout years-also thanks paramedics & Dr. Savage TBRHSC!
A Funeral Service will take place Monday January fifth twenty twenty-six beginning eleven AM Sargent Son Funeral Home located twenty-one North Court Street Thunder Bay presided Rev. Markus Arseneault Visitation starts ten AM prior service funeral home Private entombment reserved later date Live stream available www. sargentandson. com Facebook page
In lieu flowers Murphy Family kindly requests donations made memory Evelyn Northern Cancer Fund Northern Cardiac Fund
