Obituary of Mary Murray

Mary passed on peacefully at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, Fredericton, NB on October 8, 2014. She was born in Fredericton, NB on September 24, 1936 to the late Roland Gladstone and Helen Gertrude (Duchemin) Loughlin. Mary is the daughter of parents from two islands, the Duchemins from PEI and the Loughlins from Newfoundland. She was predeceased by her “Aunty Lil” (Duchemin) who shared with Mary a love for Prince Edward Island. Mary‘s whole approach to life was rooted in the Duchemin and Loughlin families’ drive to help make the world a better place. Mary touched the lives of many people in a personal way through her heart and soul; hence, her family continued to grow. Mary is survived by her life partner and husband, Jeffrey J. Burkard. Mary earned two Bachelor degrees at UNB and was a teacher at Simonds Regional HS in Saint John, and at Oromocto HS. She completed two Master’s degrees, while serving as dormitory director at the State University College of New York in Potsdam. Mary began teaching in the English Language Programme at UNB in the summer of 1962. She returned every summer to teach, and her impact was felt on a global scale. In 1976, as director, she expanded the summer programme into a highly successful UNB full-year operation. She retired in 2002, having earned the UNB President’s Medal. Since that time, she has been the “Admiral” of the ELP Submarine. Mary spent 4 years of her early childhood in Loggieville, NB. She often said, these were the best four years of her life. Growing up in this small place, she learned the value of community. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel, George Martin Hall, on Monday, October 13, 2014 at 2pm. Father Monte Peters will officiate. A reception will follow at the Wu Conference Centre, UNB. No flowers by request, donations to the SPCA or to the charity of the donor’s choice would be most appreciated. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com