Rachael Murray (nee Mitchell)
March 15, 1942 – January 26, 2025
It is with tremendous grief that we announce the passing of Rachael Murray on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at the age of 82. Rachael took her cancer diagnoses and multiple health battles in stride over the last decade, never complaining and only looking forward. She died peacefully while being comforted by her husband of 57 years, Enda, and daughters, Grace, Shauna and Teresa.
She is predeceased by her parents, Elizabeth and Robert Mitchell; and brother Benny Mitchell.
Rachael and Enda came to Canada in 1968 from Northern Ireland. According to Enda, and as he reminded her in hospital, it was love at first sight, remembering the very spot they met eyes. Both were training to become psychiatric nurses in Muckamore Abbey and met at a Friday night dance at Hall’s Hotel in Antrim. The two were married on July 27, 1968 in Little Flower Chapel in Belfast. Married by Father McGuckin with their two best friends as witnesses, they had a private wedding and honeymooned on a tour of Ireland.
Responding to the call for psychiatric nurses to come to Manitoba, posted in the Irish news, they arrived in Portage la Prairie in August 1968. Rachael and Enda worked at the Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC) for most of their careers, bringing with them experience and perspective that would benefit many residents.
Rachael was born in Doagh, County Antrim and raised in Ballyclare. Although she was the second eldest, according to her brothers, she was the General, the peacemaker and equalizer, protecting those she loved at all costs. She excelled in school, passing the eleven-plus exam, which would have sent her to grammar school free of cost. In 1958 she won the Athletic Queen competition at a dance in Ballyclare Townhall. From 1958- 1963, she was a Private in the Territorial Army, serving as a signaler. She later worked as a seamstress until she found her calling and pursued her Registered Nurse in Mental Deficiency certificate.
Rachael was an avid volunteer for the causes she cared about. She opened her home to women in crisis pregnancy situations, counseling them, uncomplicating their lives and finding them ways to overcome obstacles. Her basement and storage was always full of baby clothes, blankets, maternity clothes and all of the things a young mother might need to support their babies. Ever the defender, she was deeply involved in the prolife movement in Manitoba. She trained to provide early start education and worked with children who had unique learning challenges. She dedicated time at Portage General as a Palliative Care volunteer, spent many evenings as a Heart and Stroke Foundation canvasser, served on the CWL and Ladies of the Altar Society, helped at the local soup kitchen and meals on wheels, and assisted in organizing Heritage Days at La Verendrye School as well as cultural activities with the Irish Club in Winnipeg.
Rachael loved to create. Her daughters have fond memories of giant painted ice sculptures in the front lawn, her hand carved apple head dolls drying over the fireplace, homemade birthday cakes and epic parties, salt dough Christmas ornaments, oil painting, handmade dresses, and tending to her rock garden. She spent her summer preserving and freezing the fruits of Enda’s labor in the vegetable garden. “Granny’s jam” was always a treat. She excelled at darts and bowling and had the trophies to prove it. If there was an award for most garage sales attended, she would have earned it.
Rachael was a kind heart, gave abundant and warm hugs, a force to be reckoned with in her advocacy for the vulnerable, an excellent listener and problem solver. She will be greatly missed by all those impacted by her good deeds.
She is survived by her husband Enda, daughter Grace (Ric) Murray, Shauna (Marc) Laurin, Teresa (Kelly) Phillips and her brothers, Robert Mitchell, Glen Mitchell and Tommy Mitchell. She leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Rileigh and Brett Laurin, Caoilainn Davis, Aoife and James Phillips.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the many nurses, aids, and doctors who cared for Rachael in her last days. A special thanks to her specialist Dr. Molson and family practitioner Dr. Quesada who were especially attentive throughout the years.
The funeral mass will be held at Good Shepherd Parish 1125 Saskatchewan Ave E, Portage la Prairie, MB on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Good Shepherd Parish building fund.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit http://www.ronaldmoffitmemorialservices.com
Ronald Moffit Memorial Services in care of arrangements.