Anne Ross Murray

We are saddened to announce the passing of our Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother & Great Great Grandmother.

Anne Ross Murray (Denby) passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on the morning of May 31, 2026.

Anne was born in Dauphin, MB on July 31st 1940, the oldest daughter of Alex & Gert Denby (Playford).

The first 10 years of Anne’s life were spent in Dawson Bay, where her father was a commercial fisherman.

At age 10 the family moved to Cranberry Portage. Anne received her education in Cranberry Portage, completing grade 9.

On August 22, 1955 Anne married the “Love of her life” – James Murray.

Together they had 4 children: Rick - Dec 1955, Darrell - July 1957, Lesley - March 1959, and Jaime (James Ross) - November 1963. Mom was a true caregiver, caring for many foster children over the years. John North joined our family and was accepted as their 5th child.

Anne was a true homemaker, raising her children and ensuring all of their needs were met with love and care. When the children were a bit older & more independent, Anne ventured into the work force, spending several years as a clerk at the variety shop and a short time at other jobs.

Truth be told, these were “just jobs”. Her true calling was in childcare. Later in life, Anne continued her education with her focus on childcare. Her final years of employment were where she wanted to be, at the Child Development Centre in Cranberry. Many Cranberry kids can still recall her special way of caring for each of them. Following retirement, mom continued to “babysit” at home.

Mom got her Safe food Handling Certificate after retiring. Shared her baking by selling it at many vendor shows and at the Family Foods grocery store. There was always a line-up waiting whenever she brought her baking.

Alongside Dad, Mom was very community minded, volunteering as an ambulance dispatcher and for the service groups in Cranberry Portage. Both Mom & Dad were active Legion Members and represented Branch #137 in Cribbage at Provincial and District levels.

In later years, Mom and Dad moved South due to shortage of amenities in the North. They made many new friends in Ethelbert, Dauphin, and around the Parkland.

In 2024 due to failing health, Mom & Dad transitioned to Personal Care in Winnipegosis. Mom was a resident of Winnipegosis PCH at the time of her passing.

Predeceased by parents Alex & Gert Denby (Playford); Parents-in-law Jack & Elizabeth Murray (Baker); Sons Rick and James Ross (as an infant); Brother Bill Denby; Sister-in-law Lorna Denby.

Survived by children Darrell (Marlene), Lesley (Craig Cochrane), John North (Elaine); daughter-in-law Carol Murray (Gibson); Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and Great-Great Grandchildren; siblings Bob (Ann), Janice (Jack Leptick); many nieces and nephews, and brother and sister-in-laws.

Celebration of Life for Mom & Dad will be held in Cranberry Portage on July 18th at 1pm at Frontier Collegiate Gymnasium. Memorial donations may be made to the Cranberry Portage Heritage Museum or Cranberry Portage Legion, Branch #137.

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