1926 ~ Marie Therese “Terry” Murphy (née Brochu) ~ 2026 "Terry lived life with courage, independence, humour, and an enduring sense of adventure. Above all, her greatest joy and proudest legacy was her family."

Marie Therese “Terry” Murphy (née Brochu) passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2026, just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday.

Terry was born in Colinton, Alberta, where she grew up in a French-Canadian household with her seven siblings and attended a two-room country school. When she was in Grade 7, her family moved to Edmonton. An enthusiastic athlete, Terry enjoyed basketball, baseball, and speed skating. She was also an avid skier who spent many weekends in Banff and was once nominated for Banff Ski Queen, finishing as runner-up.

Terry married the love of her life, Clifford “Cliff” Murphy, in 1950. Together, they moved to Medicine Hat, where their two sons were born. After a short stay in Stettler, they settled in Calgary, where they welcomed three daughters.

After Cliff’s passing in 1961, Terry raised their five young children on her own with remarkable strength, love, laughter, and a sense of adventure. At the same time, she built a successful career working as a secretary, office manager, and bookkeeper.

In 1982, Terry saw an opportunity to satisfy her entrepreneurial spirit and established the Balloon Hut, a small downtown store, in Red Deer. This endeavour was very successful. An added bonus was the close proximity to what quickly became six of her grandchildren.

After selling the store, Terry purchased a motorhome and travelled from coast to coast across Canada, with a few trips into the United States. Along the way, she chatted with fellow travellers on her CB radio. With her characteristic ingenuity and sense of humour, Terry even created a travelling “companion” to occupy the passenger seat, giving the appearance that she wasn’t making the journey alone.

Terry was an avid bridge player and thoroughly enjoyed travelling, especially the many trips to Las Vegas and other destinations with her family. As an unmatched sports enthusiast, she was a devoted fan of curling, the Calgary Flames, Calgary Stampeders, and Blue Jays. She also volunteered her time generously for many local organizations and was often seen selling 50/50s at Red Deer Rebels’ games, working bingos, etc.

In 2019, Terry moved into Michener Extendicare, where she made many new friends in Household 2600. They were greatly appreciated, as were the incredible staff, who surrounded her with kindness, love, and support. Her family will always be grateful to everybody who made Michener a warm and caring home for Terry.

Terry lived life with courage, independence, humour, and an enduring sense of adventure. Above all, her greatest joy and proudest legacy was her family.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Patrick, Glen (Karen), Della (Brent), Kelley, and Peggy (Andrew); grandchildren, Matthew, Marshall, Mitchell, Ryan, Clifford, Heather, Darren, Allison, Colin, and Gareth; and great-grandchildren, Emma, Aurora, Carter, Banks, Theo, and Kayley; and special friends, Val and Don.

Terry was predeceased by her beloved husband, Cliff; grandson, Kevin; parents, Annie and Philip; and siblings, Philip, Berthe, Jeffrey, John, Albert, Eugene, and Cecile.

Terry leaves behind nearly a century of memories and a lifetime of stories that will continue to be told with love and laughter for generations to come. In keeping with Terry’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral or memorial service. Instead, in the spring, her family will gather for a party in her honour to share stories, laughter, and memories, and to lay her ashes to rest with Cliff, her beloved husband. It will be a fitting farewell for Terry: family gathered together, celebrating a life very well lived.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lending Cupboard at https://www.lendingcupboard.ca/, an organization that has provided valuable support to Terry over the years.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.