It is with overwhelming sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend, who passed away on June 8, 2026, at Eastern Memorial Hospital in Canso.

Anne was born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, to Joseph and Lillian (Fougere) MacDonald on February 2, 1954.

Anne was a loving and caring individual whose creativity and kindness touched everyone who knew her. She had a special gift for bringing joy to others through her love of crafts and costume-making. Whether she was sewing, designing, decorating, or creating something entirely unique, her imagination and talent shone brightly in everything she made.

The Murphy home was decorated for every holiday. Christmas, Halloween, Canso Regatta Parade, Stan Fest and family celebrations were made memorable because of Anne’s thoughtful and creative touch. George and Anne would even sport matching T-shirts for each holiday. Every occasion was made special by Anne.

She found happiness in the little details of colorful fabrics, handmade treasures, and the smiles her creations brought to family and friends. She shared this talent with her many nieces and nephews, by whom she was affectionately known as Aunt Ree. She loved having a house full of children—the more, the merrier.

Above all, Anne will be remembered for her generous heart, warm spirit, famous lasagna, and the love she shared so freely with those around her. Her legacy lives on in the many handmade keepsakes and cherished memories she leaves behind. Many a “Girls’ Night” rummoli games were held at her home and will be fondly remembered by all those who participated. Anne was an avid Blue Jays fan and never missed watching a game or keeping up with the team’s progress right to the very end.

Anne retired after 39 years as a devoted employee of Canso Pharmacy.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, George; her son, Scott; and her daughter, Heidi, of Halifax. She is also survived by her brothers, Clair (Gus), Little Dover; Brian Fougere, Seal Harbour; and sisters Geraldine Sanderson, Dominion; Barbara MacLean, Canso; and Kate (Kathy) (Joe) Jamieson, Guysborough. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law, Patricia/Tish Murphy, Canso; Lois Murphy, Antigonish; and Theresa Casey, Canso; and her brother-in-law, John (Mary) Murphy, Clydesdale. Countless nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart, especially her “bonus” niece, Julia Murphy (Blake Myatt), and their children, Lauchie and Zoey, who were her treasures.

Besides her parents, Anne was predeceased by her in-laws, Bertha and Reginald Murphy; her brothers, Bernard (Ray), Joseph (Liz), and John (Angus); her sister, Florence (Eddie); her brothers-in-law, Bernie MacLean, Blair Sanderson; her sister-in-laws, Phyllis MacDonald and Marilyn Ryan; and her nephew, Michael MacKinnon.

Visitation will be held in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Canso, on Friday, June 19, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Star of the Sea Church, Canso, on Saturday, June 20, at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Father Jonathan Nnajiofor. A reception will follow at the Canso/Hazel Hill Fire Hall, Union Street, Canso.

Family flowers only, by request. Memorial donations in Anne’s memory may be made to the Palliative Care Family Room at Eastern Memorial Hospital, Canso. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family through Haverstock Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank Dr. Chris Milburn and the staff of Eastern Memorial Hospital, Canso, as well as the staff of St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home, 121 School Street, Canso, Nova Scotia.