Josephine McMurray
1958 - 2025
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Josephine
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Kimberly Barber donated to Women's Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region
Monday, September 15, 2025
Dear David and family, I am heartbroken to hear of Josephine’s sudden passing. I only heard today (Sept 15) and I was completely shocked—Josephine always seemed in the prime of life and so full of verve and energy. In particular, David, I know of the depth of your connection and am so saddened to think of what the effect of her loss must be. Sending all my warmest wishes and heartfelt sympathies as you navigate this grief. She was a very special person and I so valued my times with her
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Beth Gurney donated to Lisaard And Innisfree Hospice
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Dear David and Family -
I am so very sorry for your loss. Josephine's commitment to her students and her field was an inspiration. She leaves an incredible legacy of impact. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. She will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Beth
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Zach Weston posted a condolence
Monday, August 11, 2025
I was shocked and heartbroken to learn of Josephine's passing - I was fortunate to work with her both in the health system and also at Laurier! She was an absolutely wonderful person who will be sincerely missed
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Cambridge Memorial Hospital donated to Lisaard And Innisfree Hospice
Sunday, August 10, 2025
On behalf of the Board, staff, medical staff and volunteers at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, please accept our most sincerest condolences. Josephine had such a tremendous and lasting impact on the work we do here. Her spirit lives in our approach to patient experience and innovation. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
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Graham Berg lit a candle
Friday, August 8, 2025
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Josephine was one of a kind. She saw the world as it was, yet tirelessly worked to mold it into the world she thought it could be. Her values around social justice, kindness, and equity were clearly displayed in how she spent her time investing in organizations, mentoring students (e.g., me), and elevating everyone around her. Her standards were high and very clear, but she always walked beside you to help you get where you needed to be. To David and her family - your partner, mother, grandmother was exceptional and her presence will be missed for decades to come. Her commitment to research and investment in others will be her legacy. I will hug my partner and kids tighter as I reflect on how fortunate I was to know Josephine. Thanks for sharing her with us.
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Kate lit a candle
Friday, August 8, 2025
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Josephine lifted people up and made the world a better place. I am so grateful to have known her, and so sad that she passed so soon.
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Joy Iroegbu lit a candle
Thursday, August 7, 2025
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I am heartbroken to hear of Dr. McMurray's passing and offer my sincerest condolences to your family during this difficult time.
Dr McMurray was an extraordinary person - sharp, compassionate and endlessly dedicated. As her student during my undergraduate years, I was lucky to witness her brilliance firsthand. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen and capable, even when they couldn't see it in themselves.
She didn't just teach - she inspired, uplifted and led by example. Her strength, kindness, and unwavering support made her a true role model. Though she may no longer be with us, her impact remains - deeply in the lives of everyone she taught, mentored and cared for.
May her memory continue to shine through all of us that had the privilege of knowing her.
With deepest sympathy,
Joy
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Brandon Van Dam donated to Egale Canada
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
David and family - I was deeply saddened to hear of Josephine's passing. She was a bright light in the Lazaridis School and I will miss seeing her. Although I am not surprised, I have seen so many tributes coming in from her students about how she left such a positive mark on them. Know that your whole Golden Hawk family is holding you in our hearts.
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Lois Howlett donated to Women's Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
My most sincere condolences to the family.
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Michael Lisetto-Smith donated to Egale Canada
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Dear David and Family, I was deeply saddened to hear about Josephine’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. I truly enjoyed working with Josephine—her warmth, professionalism, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she worked with. She will be greatly missed. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead. - Michael L-S
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Nela Petkovic donated to Women's Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Dear David,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your wife, Josephine. She was a remarkable scholar, an adventurous traveller, a dedicated teacher, a proud Golden Hawk, ..., the list is too long to be captured. Her life was filled with accomplishments that many could only dream of over several lifetimes.
Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. You are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Warm regards,
Nela
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Karin Schnarr donated to Women's Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Josephine was a wonderful colleague and a beautiful person. I will miss our conversations about cases and life. She was a wonderful mentor to students, an outstanding teacher and an impactful researcher. My deepest condolences to her family.
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Nicole Coviello donated to Women's Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region
Monday, August 4, 2025
Josephine taught me many things and she guided me through difficult times with her ability to put things into perspective and make me laugh. Ever practical. Ever sensible. Ever with her lovely smile. I will always be grateful for having had her as my kiwi big sister at Laurier. Sending love to David and the family.
Kia kaha to you all.
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Jonathan Newman donated to Women's Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region
Monday, August 4, 2025
"The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." -- Russell Nelson.
One cannot have met Josephine and not been touched by her warmth, passion, humour, intellect, and kindness. We will all miss you. So sorry for your loss.
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Lauren uploaded photo(s)
Monday, August 4, 2025
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David and Family,
It was such a privilege to have known Josephine McMurray! I cherish my memories of our runs, bike rides, workouts, and conversations. I’m so sorry for this immense and unfair loss. I hope your love and memories of her bring you some peace. Thinking of you xoxo
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Arezoo Talebzadeh posted a condolence
Monday, August 4, 2025
In loving memory of Dr. McMurray, a true inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her. I will always cherish the first time we met in 2017 at the AGE-WELL summer institute in Shediac, NB, where she passionately taught us how to bring our ideas to life. Her wisdom and kindness touched the lives of so many, and I was eagerly anticipating our reunion this October in Montreal. Her absence will be deeply felt, and she will forever remain in our hearts.
Rest in peace, Josephine.
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Dori uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, August 2, 2025
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Sharing some art I made to honour the singular individual that was Josephine. We will hold you in our hearts and spirits forever. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMwCwc7tO6-/?igsh=YzgycWY3OGl6Z2xv
Dori Sim
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Bonnie Voisine donated to Egale Canada
Friday, August 1, 2025
David and family, I am so sorry to hear of this loss. Josephine will be deeply missed at Laurier; she's left an indelible legacy. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
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Aqsa Shafi lit a candle
Friday, August 1, 2025
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My condolences to her family and everyone, your loss is felt in all the places and lives Dr. McMurray lit up
I am still processing the fact that someone I had seen only a few months ago is no longer with us. The last time I met her was when she gave me a hug as soon as I saw her, we were both excited and greatly anticipating the growth of the BTM program moving forward; that hug felt so warm. But she wasn't just a professor to us, she was a mentor, a coach, and lastly and most importantly: a friend. Very rarely is it that you can develop a deep connection with your professor but with her it became much easier. Dr. McMurray was funny, caring, an enjoyer of sarcastic remarks, but also someone who let us fall and get back up again; being able to spend every weekend with her for close to 8 months in her last year was truly an honour and pivotal in developing me into the person I am today. I don't know who or where I would be without her. I, we the Case Team for 2025, couldn't have done what we did without her. I had hopes to speak to her about the future, be there with her during our graduation, and keep her updated in all of our endeavors moving forward.
Now I hope and I pray that she rests in peace knowing that she is loved and her legacy will always be remembered. Her efforts and impacts will last for decades to come.
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Kathryn Carter donated to The Working Centre
Friday, August 1, 2025
Josephine was an exceptional human. I will remember her warmth and curiosity and sparkling intelligence for ever. How lucky we all are to have known her and enjoyed her presence.
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Austin uploaded photo(s)
Friday, August 1, 2025
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I'm deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. McMurrary, but even more moved by the immeasurable impact her very full life has had on me and so many others. Her vigour, energy, and passion for life has been so clearly felt by many, and I'm confident the positive effects of her work will live on for many years to come.
I don't think I quite appreciated until now just how pivotal of a mentor Dr. McMurray was during my undergraduate studies at Laurier, especially in the senior years as a member of the Case@BTM team which she managed so diligently. We were a slightly awkward but scrappy little group, and she pushed each of us well out of our comfort zones to help us embrace every ounce of the opportunity we had before us. From our very first class to our final preparations, she was always there to cheerfully urge us forward, despite tired eyes and weary objections, she pushed us to go further, reach higher, and ever expand our skills and knowledge.
It’s difficult to overstate the impact the trip we had with Dr. McMurray to Victoria B.C. for the Royal Roads Design Thinking competition has had on my life. It was this very trip – that she personally researched, planned, funded and coordinated – that provided me my first taste of Western Canada and the Rocky Mountains, which ultimately inspired an unextinguishable passion for adventure that still burns bright in me today. She can be seen with us in a photo here - on an impromptu roadside pitstop (entirely of her own volition), encouraging us to dip our toes in the Pacific ocean, something none of us had ever had the opportunity to do before. I happily obliged, and the spirit she left with me that day burns ever stronger since. Without this trip and her many influences, it’s hard to imagine that I would have moved across the country to pursue a life chasing wild dreams and exploring the same mountains I first saw from an airplane window seat of on a ticket she personally booked.
Thank you for everything Dr. McMurray – your spirit lives on in all of us.
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Darrell Li lit a candle
Friday, August 1, 2025
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I offer my deepest condolences to the McMurray family. Dr. McMurray was a remarkable mentor, coach, professor, and friend. I'm incredibly grateful that she took time out of her busy life to take me and many of my undergraduate peers under her wing, guiding us not only in our professional journeys but also offering wisdom for our personal lives.
There were many times when I doubted myself or felt lost. In those moments, Dr. McMurray was someone who consistently believed in me, even when I couldn’t believe in myself. For that, I will always be thankful. Because of her, I now feel capable of far more than I once imagined.
I will miss her deeply, but I will do my part to ensure her legacy of compassion, resilience, and generosity lives on. May she rest in peace, and may the impact of her life be remembered always.
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Pery Au lit a candle
Thursday, July 31, 2025
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To the McMurray family. I am so sorry for your loss. I am deeply saddened by this news, and still struggling to process this...
Dr. McMurray was my professor during my undergrad. She was an extremely brilliant, confident and funny woman, and I was fortunate enough to have worked with her in my last year of uni.
One thing I will always remember her by, is her motto "do hard things". She inspired me to never settle, and to always push myself to be better, because I can and am capable. Sometimes, I even feel like she knew me better than I know myself. She believed in me even when I didn't. She pushed me to do things I would've never done, and I am better because of it.
Dr McMurray was many things to different people, but to me, she was my inspiration and motivation to be a kinder and more courageous person every day. Undoubtedly, she made everyone around her a better person.
I hope the family can find comfort knowing she was loved, and cherished by so many.
She will be deeply missed by everyone.
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Paul Stolee donated to Women's Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region
Thursday, July 31, 2025
My deepest condolences on your loss. I had the privilege of working with Josephine for many years. She was a brilliant and kind force to be reckoned with who made an impact on everyone she encountered, and far beyond. She will be sorely missed.
Paul Stolee
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Trish McLaren donated to Women's Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region
Thursday, July 31, 2025
David, Amy, Dan, and Sam - Josephine was my colleague, my sounding board, my mentor, my partner-in-crime at Laurier, and, most importantly of all, my friend. We met when we joined the CMH board. I had just started working at Laurier Brantford in the Leadership program and I encouraged her to come and teach with us as she finished her PhD. She then joined us when we were getting the BTM program off the ground, and our small but mighty group built an incredible program with a focus on care and compassion for our students while setting high standards that we knew they could meet. Our 3rd floor of SCJ feels dark and lonely without her, and I know that this feeling is magnified by infinity for all of you right now. We will all carry Josephine in our hearts forever, and while the hole she leaves will never fill, I hope you find some peace in knowing the legacy of warmth, love, and compassion that she leaves for so many.
Trish McLaren
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Christopher Rodgers lit a candle
Thursday, July 31, 2025
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When I heard of the news this morning it made me think of the time that I was biking around Stanley Park in BC with Josephine. We were there for the CaseIT competitions but in this moment we were both able to bond over life outside of academics. These memories bring me peace and serenity over today’s situation.
Dr. McMurray really supported me during university and gave me life and learning experiences that shaped who and where I am today. It’s not an understatement the importance she had on me throughout school and outside of it.
Looping back around to the Stanley bike ride, this was a moment where we got to discuss about my own mother’s passing in 2018. Her comfort and understanding during this moment was one I really appreciated.
I’ll miss her deeply and I really hope that the entire McMurray family is doing okay during this incredibly tough time. As I read many others thoughts and contributions, you can really tell how amazing of a person she was.
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Katherina Kuschel lit a candle
Thursday, July 31, 2025
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She made the world a better place.
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Jennifer Boger posted a condolence
Thursday, July 31, 2025
“Don’t let anyone bully you into doing something you believe isn’t right.”
Dear David and family,
We mourn with you for the loss of our wise and wonderful Josephine.
I will miss our conversations (often over a beverage) that ranged from academia and power inequity to how to raise kids and make sourdough bread. I will miss hanging out with a brilliant professional lady who swore as much as myself (we set a high bar on that one).
Like the ripple when you drop something into a pond, Josephine’s perspectives will continue to influencing all of us, guiding how we interact with the world and those who live in it. I am honoured that her voice will always be in my ear, helping to guide my steps, for the rest of my life. I know she is proud of how much she changed the world, even though if you pointed it out she would probably simply say "aw thank you", wave it off, and change the subject.
Big hugs to all of you. She will be forever with us not only in our hearts, but in our actions too.
- Jen Boger
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Sally Heath donated to Lisaard And Innisfree Hospice
Thursday, July 31, 2025
David and family, I am so very sorry for your sudden loss and my heart goes out to you all. It was an honour to know and work with Josephine and I know that she will leave a lasting legacy at Laurier. XO
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Patti Polischuk posted a condolence
Thursday, July 31, 2025
David, I am so incredibly sorry for your and your family's loss. The first time I met Josephine was as the recent International Women's Day panel at Laurier and I was so impressed by her warmth, commitment and insight. What struck me most was seeing the look of pride and love on your face as you listened to her speak. May the wonderful memories you have of Josephine bring you comfort during this difficult time.
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Dan Allison lit a candle
Thursday, July 31, 2025
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On behalf of the 2007 WLUSU executive team, thank you, Josephine, for opening your home and heart to us as students. Your warmth, generosity, and kindness made a lasting impact.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Dan Allison
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Katie Churchill posted a condolence
Thursday, July 31, 2025
I am deeply saddened by the loss of a remarkable colleague, researcher and mentor. Josephine was instrumental in supporting the work of the Rehab Model of Care implemented in Alberta and transformed how rehab providers think, collect and transform the experience of patients and families.
I’ll never forget working with her and the lasting impact her work has had on so many in the rehab community across the country.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Katie Churchill
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Jenna Baronette donated to Women's Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region
Thursday, July 31, 2025
My sincere condolences on the loss of such a woman. May you find peace and strength in knowing how far her reach went and that her love and compassion will live on.
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Melodee Zimmerman lit a candle
Thursday, July 31, 2025
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David, Amy, Dan, Sam and all the kiddos.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I have been doing Josephines hair for the past nimber of years. Josephine was one of thr most special people to me. We killed ourselves laughing over the most ridiculous things, we had conversations about really complicated subjects, we shared stories of travel, adventure and fitness and fashion(she always looked so smashing) as we both had such a passion for them. We were meant to be friends and I loved her so much. I can't believe what I didn't know about her though, she is ever cooler than I thought.
What is can tell you is how much she loved her family.....I'm sure you all know this already but David, she would absolutely light up when I asked how you were.....she would say David....he is wonderful and I always thought how wonderful that was that she had such a crush on you, it really is the cutest thing.
And Amy, Dan and Sam, she was always keeping me updated on where she and Amy had plans to travel to, how the BC gang was doing and how things were with the crew in Texas. All the littlest were mentioned so many times too, she absolutely loved you all so much.
I always admired her ability to manage all her research, get in a run, go cycling, walk her sweet baby Kit, still have energy to chat with me at an appt and most of all, talk all the time about her people.
I feel so lucky to have been touched by such an angel and I will be forever grateful to have known her.
Deepest sympathies to you all!
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Shari Friedman uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, July 31, 2025
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I met Josie during the second year of my undergraduate degree at Wilfrid Laurier University, my first home away from home. At the time, I was fortunate to serve on the Dean’s Advisory Council, and Josie was Dean David McMurray’s soon-to-be wife (even if they didn’t know it at the time). For both of them, being part of the university was so much more than a job… it was a way of life. It was immersive, wholehearted, and rooted in genuine care. To them, students weren’t just students, we were extended family. And they became family to us.
It’s rare, in fact borderline absurd, to say I’ve ever idolised anyone. But I can’t think of a more fitting word for how I feel about Josephine McMurray, who passed so suddenly this week. She was one of the closest people to my heart and soul, a true adopted big sister. (It’s for the best she never will read this... her humility was so deep she would guffaw at the notion of anyone looking up to her, and yet anyone who knew her would be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t.)
We shared so many chapters together over the years... from finishing my law degree in Sydney, where her mum and brother living there embraced me as one of their own for the year, to adventures across Europe. I’ll never forget a magical New Year’s Eve in Paris with Josie and her mum (those who knew her will know exactly what kind of unforgettable weekend that was!). And for the last 20 years, every visit home meant spa dates, sushi dinners, and hours of heartfelt conversation and deep, joyful laughter… and between visits, video calls and quick check-ins to help us vent our frustrations, find our solutions, and keep moving forward with our mutual passions. (And also some boy talk!)
I loved being invited to parties at the McMurrays and the occasional family dinner or celebration — always filled with warmth, humour, and a lot of heart. Her and David’s family are so warm, so intelligent, and so dynamic. Josie’s three kids each embody her spirit in their own way… and knowing that her children and six grandchildren will carry forward her energy and values is a huge comfort. But I promise, all of us who knew her will carry that spirit too. It was impossible not to be infected by Josie’s passion, her curiosity, and her belief in making things better… and that laugh… that unforgettable, naughty laugh!
From my first boyfriend to my forever love, no man entered my life without passing Josie’s signature grilling. She was brilliant, sharp, and sassy — always insightful, usually right, and never afraid to say exactly what she thought. I learned early on that her advice was gold.
But more than anything, Josie was the best listener I’ve ever met. She asked questions — real, thoughtful, endless questions — because she genuinely cared. I’m still trying to learn from that. I’m not great at it, but she’s always in the back of my mind, nudging me to listen better, to be more present, to keep improving.
I remember feeling so proud when she pursued her PhD and later became a professor. The way she and David lived — with purpose, love, and deep integrity — has shaped the way I’ve tried to live my own life since the day I met them.
There are too many stories and memories to fit here, and I’ve likely already said too much. But in true Josie fashion, I know she’d tell me not to dwell. She’d tell me to keep fighting for what matters. And what has mattered to me most, since the day I met Josephine and David McMurray, has been building not just an education system, but a community — one where people connect, learn from each other, and fight like hell for what they believe in.
It would be impossible not to live the rest of my life trying to honour Josie — and to keep our David close.
Love always.
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Shari Friedman donated to Equal Voice Foundation / Fondation À Voix Égales
Thursday, July 31, 2025
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J.A lit a candle
Thursday, July 31, 2025
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Dr. McMurray was an amazing soul. As a student in the BTM program, I can confidently say that she not only provided well articulated lectures, but also offered encouragement and guidance that truly supported us as her students.
From our short encounters, I can also attest that she was incredibly kind, easy‑going, and helpful.
My deepest condolences. May her legacy continue to live on.
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Karen Born posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
I have fond memories of Jospehine from our time together as PhD students. She was a force and I appreciated the opportunity to connect with her then and I recall how fiercly proud she was of her family. Condolences.
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Arjunn Sivakumar lit a candle
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
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Dr.McMurray was more than just a professor - she was my mentor, a friend, and a second mom. I wish I could hear her voice again and be able to tell her how much she means to me. She has left a mark on so many people, especially me. I owe my accomplishments to her. Dr.McMurray, your legacy will always live on.Thank you Dr.McMurray!
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Mary Kelly posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss, David. I first met Josephine when she was my MBA student. We had interesting and fun conversations that went beyond my finance course. She did a supervised course under my direction. And it was clear she was the expert. We remained friends throughout her PhD. I was happy when she got her position in the BTM. She was funny, dedicated, pointed, self-aware, and everything I adored her as a work friend. Also, tongue in cheek because she was so proud of you, she was super pissed when you went back as acting VP of student affairs, because she loved having you at home to do all the chores. I loved that she shared that with me. I will miss her a lot
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Archchenaa Uthayakumaran donated to Women's Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
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Anon lit a candle
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
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My condolences. Josephine was an incredible person. She will be missed.
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Alysha & Kyle Walker donated to Women's Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
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The family of Josephine McMurray uploaded a photo
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
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