Mildred Taylor (Murphy) nee Porter
March 14, 1926 to November 16, 2022
Obituary
Taylor, Mildred S. (formerly Murphy, née Porter), died peacefully at age 96 at Kenny’s Pond Residence on November 16, 2022.
Predeceased by husband Robert Murphy, daughter Karen, son Robert (Murph), sisters Jean and Phyllis, second husband Arthur Taylor and stepdaughter Sharon Melanson.
Mill leaves a legacy of 17 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
Born March 14, 1926, in St. John’s, Mill grew up the daughter of Tom Porter of Elliston, and Lucy Tucker of Winterton, Trinity Bay, in a family of five siblings, survived now by her two brothers Ed (Pat) and Doug (Edna). She attended Model School and later Bishop Spencer College where she played field hockey and softball. After finishing commercial studies, Mill worked at Confederation Life and shortly thereafter met and married Bob Murphy.
As she was delivering their first child, Bob moved them into their first home where they would raise their family of six at the corner of Freshwater and Blatch: Karen (Charlie MacDonald), Robin (Bruce Ferguson), Susan (Derek Learning), Robert, Tina (Sheldon Barfitt) and Andi (Hazen Gandy). Bob said you could get off the ferry in Port-aux-Basques and drive straight on until you reached 74 Freshwater Road. It would be Mill’s home for 65 years.
As was custom, Mill was forced to quit work after they married – the impetus for her bridge club of fellow female employees who met every Monday for 60 years. She took up curling, and took piano lessons late in life, noodling “Somewhere My Love” and “Blackhawk Waltz” and played stacks of Mahalia Jackson and Vera Lynn records especially at Christmas.
Mill was a homemaker in the best sense of the word in a home where all were welcome. She knit, sewed, gardened, cooked, made the best pea soup and dumplings though she hated it, and baked loaves and loaves of homemade bread. Sunday outings were drives to Topsail Pond, or to go berry picking or to picnic at Topsail Beach, Holyrood, St. Philip’s, or a winter skate and a boil-up at Bowring Park.
After her family was raised and Bob died, Mill worked in the communication centre with the RNC. Her marriage to Art Taylor, a World War Two veteran, began with dancing and cards, was filled with gardening in both Pasadena and St. John’s and with Art’s children; Robert (Lisette), Linda (Harold – deceased) and Sharon and their families, and finally ended in peace, together, at Kenny’s Pond.
Thank you to the staff of Kenny’s Pond for your kind support through the past seven years. And a special thank you to the second-floor staff for your kindness, compassion, professionalism, and good humour. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
A visitation will be held 2-4pm Sunday, November 20th at Carnell’s Funeral Home at 329 Freshwater Rd. A funeral service will be held 1pm Monday, November 21st at Carnell’s Chapel.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on November 20, 2022
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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funeral
1:00pm, Monday November 21st
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
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Robin, Susan, Tina, Andi and family,
My deepest condolences to all of you. I remember your mom’s warm smile and twinkling eyes. She made your Freshwater Road home so welcoming to all of us in the Miller household and was always there for our family. Her kindness and caring is deeply appreciated and so fondly remembered.
Robin and family
Our deepest condolences to you and your entire family.
Heaven has another angel.
To all the Murphy clan my deepest condolences.. I truly loved childhood days with all the Murphys. Your mother was always so kind and gracious to me and fun to be around.
Sorry to have missed the service but I am living in WINTERTON now so it is a fitting place to appreciate the cherished good memories of your mother.
To Robin, Susan, Tina and Andi and all the family of Mrs Murphy. Very sad to hear of the passing of your mom. She lived a long and full life but it is hard to say a last goodbye. My memories of your family are very happy and your support of us was appreciated. Your mother was always keeping control of a very busy household but she also enjoyed herself as well. The story of her life and the comments from people who knew her speak to how much she was appreciated. I hope they are a comfort.
Charlotte Miller
Tina, and all of the Murphy family. So sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She was a lifelong friend of our mom, Shirley Birmingham. I remember visiting your house on the corner of Blatch Ave when we were young. Also, I took mom to visit your mom at Kenny’s Pond several times before mom had a stroke last December. She would definitely be there at the wake and funeral if she was able. Sending condolences to you all on behalf of mom and our family.
Gerri Humber (Birmingham)
Condolences to all the Murphy. Many fond memories from living on the other corner of Blatch and Freshwater and of your family.
Tina, Sheldon and the expanded family,
Today I received the news of Mrs. Murphy’s passing with both sadness and warm memories. I must say Mrs. Murphy because as a young boy I daily walked passed the her home on Freshwater Road and occasionally delivered shoes to the house that my Father had repaired. So I had experienced first hand her kindness long before she joined the RNC family. So to me she remained Mrs. Murphy. She was a true lady with class, kindness and amazing humor. We are all better for having known her and her calming nature.
While her body has departed her positive influence remains in each of you her family, and us her friends and colleagues.
My thoughts are with you,
Bob
Dear Robin,Susan,Tina, Andi and all of Mill’s family.
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your wonderful Mom.
I have lots of fond memories of both of your parents.
Take care
Betty
Sincere sympathy to Andie, Susan & all the Murphy/ Taylor families on the death of your Mom.
I met your Mom many years ago when she visited school to check on Susan.. She was a proud Mom ofSusan & Andie.. It was a delight to have met her so long ago.
She has lived a wonderful life & now rests in peace and happinesss. Nov.22 / 22
.
My deepest condolences Andie & Tina. I’m sorry I couldn’t come by to show my respects but I am out of the country at present.
The summer before COVID struck though I had a very nice chat with your Mom at your Uncle Ed’s place. Your Mom had hardly changed since I had first met her at your place way back in the 70’s..
Sincere Sympathy to all the Murphy family, thinking of each of you at this sad time. May the wonderful memories of your lovely mother comfort you in the days ahead. May she rest easy now she has fought the good fight, she has kept the faith, and has finished the race. Hugs to all.
Tina, Sheldon and the Murphy Family, I was saddened to learn of Mrs Murphy’s passing. I have fond memories of working with her in the RNC communication centre. Her gentle calmness and patience both with the public and teaching us young officers will always be remembered.
Please accept my most sincere condolences at this time of loss.
My condolences to your family on the loss of Mrs. Murphy. She was as kind a lady as I have ever met! It was a pleasure to have known her so many years ago.
Kind regards
Tina, Sheldon and family
Dean and I send our sincere condolences to you on the loss of your beautiful Mother. So many memories will be your treasure over the next few months. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Wendy and Dean Chaulk ( Ret’d RNC and HHMAC)
Tina & Sheldon, Thinking of you during this sad time and extending sincere condolences on the loss of Tina’s Mom. Ches & Ethel
Tina, Sheldon and family
My deepest condolences on the passing of your mom. “Mrs Murphy” was a remarkable lady who was liked and respected by all who worked with her at the RNC. Rest in peace
Tina, May I offer my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Hold all your memories close.
Heather Hennebury (HHMAC)
Dear Andi and family,
Sarah and I were sad to hear of your loss. We know the memories of your Moms long and loving life will comfort you and bring smiles when you need them.
Love to you all.
Lucy, Sarah and families❤️❤️❤️
Tina and Family , Please accept my sincere condolences at this sad and difficult time.
Susan and Derek
So sorry to hear about your mom. She was a légend. Incredible memories in your beautiful happy home on Freshwater Road. Always something cooking and always a sewing project…I still use her method for finding the straight of the fabric. She was a tireless volunteer with my mom in the Guides, never ending energy and could whip up a plate of sandwiches for a picnic on no time. A constant smile, a huge heart full of love. I was so welcome in her home. Unforgettable….. Love to you all.
So many fond memories of Aunt Mill during our visits to St. John’s. Always smiling and welcoming. She will be dearly missed here but welcomed with a big heavenly kitchen party with all of our Angel’s. Hold on tight to all of your wonderful memories. Hugs
Dear Susan, Siblings, and families,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. We are thinking of you all at this sad time. Our warmest condolences,
Becky Tramley and Dan Lee
Charlottetown, PEI
Thinking of you all at this sad time. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
I will miss the card games we had with her, Wayne and Denise.
She was a wonderful person.. May she Rest In Peace.
Sincerely,
Ida Baird
Kenny’s Pond
Andi Tina and family
I am deeply sorry to hear of your moms passing. We all loved working with Mrs. Murphy at the RNC. Such a wonderful beautiful lady. She will be missed.
Condolences to your family.
Marlene Jesso
Robin, Susan, Tina, Andi,
Bob and I were very sorry to hear that your Mother passed away. From meeting her and reading her obituary, we know she had a well lived life, filled with an abundance of love. We hope memories of that love give you strength and sustain you.
Bob Ferguson & Debbie Bassett
Condolences to the Murphy family on the passing of your Mother.
Brian Penney
Tina and Family I am so sorry for your loss. Treasure the memories they will help you in the days ahead.
Tina and Family
Please accept my deepest condolences. No matter what the age, it is heartbreaking to lose a loved one. May your memories sustain you during this difficult time.
Tina and Family
Please accept my deepest condolences. No matter what the age, it is heartbreaking to lose a loved one. May your memories sustain you during this difficult time.
Robin so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. She was a remarkable woman and I know how much she will be missed. Sending love and hugs and I hope wonderful memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Moe Rego
My condolences to the Murphy and Porter families. We lived kitty corner across Freshwater Road from the Murphies and there are many happy and some sad memories shared with them. My sisters and I were exchanging reminiscences in email last night, many too many to document here. May a beautiful lady Rest In Peace .
Hugh Miller
I was deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Mildred. I had the great pleasure of working with her at the RNC Comm,. Center for a number of years. It was a role she excelled in, while working in what was a very hectic environment. She had amazing patience in dealing with people and always displayed her calmness and professionalism no matter how trying the shift might be. I always think of her with great fondness. My deepest condolences to her family, she was a fantastic lady.
10-7 Mildred. Rest in peace.
Tina
Sorry for the loss of your mother. I remember her fondly from her time at the RNC. Truly a remarkable lady.
Pat
Tina,
Our deepest sympathy to you , Sheldon and family. What a wonderful life your mom lived.! Your last travel days must have been very sad ones indeed. We wish you strength as you grieve. May you have only the fondest memories of your beloved mother.
Barb ( and Wade)
My sincerest condolences to the whole family. Auntie Mill was held in very high regard by our whole family. She will be greatly missed.
Love,
John (Porter)
Dear Andi and Family,
Hugh and I are very saddened to hear of the passing of your lovely mother. Even though it was expected, we know it is certainly a devastating loss. Know we are thinking of you at this time and are sending lots of love and “virtual” hugs.
Affectionately,
Chookie and Hugh
Tina and family.,
Sincere condolences on the passing of your mother.
My mother died at 96 ,and we were the lucky ones to have had them with us for such a long time.
A lifetime of treasured memories to hold in your hearts forever…
May she Rest In Peace.
Sincerely Bonnie and Nick Power