
MURPHY – Greta Celia, 87, passed away peacefully in Queens Manor, Liverpool on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.
Born in Coddles Harbour, Greta was a daughter of the late Lloyd and Lois (Nickerson) Sponagle.
Greta moved to Halifax in her early years and later in the late 1950’s she and her family moved to Fairview where she resided for many years. During her early years, she was employed with James Simmonds Hardware. With her husband Bruce, they operated Village taxi in the 1960’s and later worked for the Yellow Cab company in the 1970’s.
Greta was an active member of Bayers Road Baptist Church and belonged to the Womens Missionary Society. She was the recipient of the Dominion Life Membership. Greta participated in the Four Square Fellowship and was a chaperone for the New Song Singers during the 1970’s. She enjoyed cottage life in New Harbour as well as knitting and crafts and was an avid gardener.
Greta is survived by her daughters Lindi (Charles) McLellan and Pamela Murphy. Her grandchildren Faye McLellan, Laura and Heather Slade. Sisters in law Carol Sponagle, Mary Loree and her treasured nieces and nephews.
Greta was predeceased by her husband R. S. Bruce Murphy, grandson Kyle McLellan, an infant sister Mina, sister Erma Gillie, brother Clinton Sponagle and parents in law Robert and Lottie (Sangster) Murphy.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool. There will be no visitation or funeral service at this time. A graveside service will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Bayers Road Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, the Cemetery Improvement Association of New Harbour or to Queens Manor, Liverpool. The family would like to thank Queens Manor for caring for Greta during her final days.
Offer Condolence for the family of Murphy; Greta Celia

Tom & Pat Rae
Linda, Faye and Family, We have many fond memories of your mom from high school and will always cherish them. She was a great lady with a very warm personality and kind soul. Our warmest thoughts are with you while your mom will be in our prayers. Hugs, Tom and Pat (Rae)
Jeff Miller
It is never easy!! They say Time Heals! That is the Truth!
Thinking Good Thoughts for You!
Jeff
Raymond and Beverly Webber
Sending our very deepest condolences to the whole family. Greta was a beautiful lady in every way. She will be remembered for her warm and beautiful smile. ❤️
Heather Anthony
Linda, Chuck, Faye and Pam, my sincere condolences to you and extended Family. You all have so many memories of this fine lady. Cherish them and may they bring you comfort.
Philip and Holly Smith
Dear McLellan family,
I’m saddened to read of the passing of your dear Mom. She and I had some very nice conversations about her early life on the eastern shore, while she and my Mom were roommates.
The video of Greta’s life and family is a beautiful
testament to a busy and full life well lived. May the memories of your Mom help you all as you say goodbye.
Holly Smith
.
Donna,Fred,Ben,Dillon
Sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Susan C Gallant
So sorry, Lindi and Pam for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Lorraine MacPherson
I just watched the slide show and it was done beautifully. So many memories built into those pictures. Allthe best to you all.
debbie pettipas
Condolences to all the family .Mom Elsie Sangster also sends her condolences to the family.
Carol McLellan Poitras
Oh Lindi so sorry to read this. She had a good long life and I know you will miss her. My sympathy and thoughts to you all. Hugs Carol
Donna MacIsaac
Linda and Pam we are so sorry to hear about your Mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Bernice Williams, Gail Power and Donna MacIsaac
Helen and David Whynacht.
So very sorry Lindi for the passing of your Mom. She is in Heaven now and out of pain. Sending you and your family lots of love and hugs.
Shelley Boens
Faye sorry to hear about your grandmother keep her memories alive and her close to your heart. sending hugs your way.
Harry & Cheryl Kennickell
We are so sorry to read of your loss. We send our sincere condolences.
Krystal Peck
Dear Linda, Pam and cousins. Your mom/grandmother…..Auntie Greta was one of the coolest great aunts in our side of the family, she was loving warm, kind, never budged, always smiled and giggled. I enjoyed my time with her, she’ll be forever remembered, always been loved and sorely missed. Love you all.
Joy Stevens
Lindi and Pamela, your mother and your Dad were a part of our church family at Bayer’s Road Baptist church. I miss them both. Greta was so kind and so thoughtful. Although her journey in her final years was difficult, she chose to focus on those around her. I always felt she had a light within. Thank you so much for sharing the video to help us feel closer. May memories and love sustain you and your families.
Cathy Wentzell
Lindi and Family
I am very sorry to read of your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you
as you help each other through this
difficult time.
Cathy
Violet and Gary
So sorry Linda and all the Family on the passing of your Mom and Nan, She was a wonderful lady and we enjoyed having her visit us on Christmas Eve when she was well.She is in a much better place now as she wasn’t herself for sometime. Take care and remember the good times. Love and hugs to you all … Rest in peace Greta!!!!
Darlene and Wayne
Lindi , Faye and family, Sorry to hear of your loss. I know you have lots of great memories and these will help you go forward. Thinking of you all.
Kay Keddy
Sending my condolences. I remember your Mom as a young lady who was at our home in Seal Harbour on Sunday’s . I was privileged to have visited her while she was at Shoreham Village in Chester…I well member all the family. May God grant comfort to you all.
Cathie and Kevin Wentzell
Lindi and family
We are so sorry to learn of you mom’s passing. Our memories are what help carry us through the emptiness of our losses. She may be gone from this earth, but not from your hearts.
Diana Croft and family.
Chuck, Linda, Faye and family. Deepest condolences to you all. Treasure the memories of Greta. Praying for you.
Alta MASON
Linda and Chuck,
So sorry to read of your Mom’s passing, Linda.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.
Alta Mason
Rosemary LeBlanc
My thoughts and prayers go out to Pam and Linda. We grew up together on Coronation Ave. My family live at 111 Coronation Ave. Hugs.
Beryl Long
Linda, Chuck and family . So sorry to hear about your Mums passing. Sending love and sympathy .
Ricky and Jo-Ann
Linda, Chuck and family,
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Judi & Ken Minard
Liindi and family
Sincere condolences.
We are thinking of you as you go through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cathy de Rome
Linda and family.
Sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. You have many wonderful memories that will help in the difficult days ahead.
Cathy de Rome
Betty Veinot and family
Our family extend sincere sympathy to Greta’s family, Pamela and Lindi. We remember both Greta and Bruce as faithful attenders of Bayers Road Baptist church as well as valued members of the congregation in many activities and programs.
They were a sweet couple and I know you will miss your mother greatly.
Barbara Burns
Lindi, Charles and family,
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Mom.
May you be comforted to know that others care.
David and Virginia Mahony
We remember Greta fondly. She was a very faithful member of Bayers Rd Baptist and even in later years when travel was difficult she made every effort to be there. We are sorry for your loss and send sincere condolences to all the family.
Sandra Fenn (Burgess)
Dear Pam & Family,
I so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. She was such a sweet dear woman. My heart and prayers are with you all. Love and Friendship Sandra ♡♡♡
Charles & Barbara Corkum
Linda & Chuck:
We were so sorry to hear of your loss and send our condolences at this difficult time. Take care.
Ruby (Pinkham) Richardson
Condolences to the family; Greta was my neighbor across the road in Coddles; we enjoyed each other’s company in our early years.
Marie,Carl, Blair and Heather Davis
Lindi and Pam
Sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. We used to live on Coronation Ave., in Fairview, and knew your Mother and Father well.
Phillip MacLean
Linda and Chuck, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you
Iva & Derek Wagstaff
Linda, Chuck and Faye,
We are so sorry for your loss. We send our deepest sympathies and hugs at this difficult time.
Iva and Derek
Sharon (Poole) Longard
Dear Linda, Pam and family:
We are very sorry to learn of your Mother’s passing.
On behalf of my parents, Harry and Phyllis Poole, my brothers Graham and Ed and myself I want to express our deepest sympathy.
Your parents were wonderful neighbours for many years on Coronation and part of our lives as we were growing up. (Mom and Dad just recently moved from Coronation Avenue last May after Mom had a mild stroke and they are now living in Parkland retirement home and are happy on their new apartment)
It was nice to see all the old photos of your family and know you have many happy memories of your mother.
A gift will be made to Bayers Road Baptist Church in her memory.
We are thinking of you at this difficult time and send our heartfelt condolences,
Sharon, Phyllis, Harry, Graham and Ed Poole
Duncan MacIsaac
Dear Lindi, Chuck and Faye,
We were saddened to hear of Greta’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Duncan & Goretti MacIsaac
Bill and Anna Cox
Lindi, Chuck and Faye
So saddened by the loss of your mother and grand mother. We extend our deepest sympathy.
Gloria and Charles Manthorne.
To the family of Greta; Gloria and I extend our sincere sympathy at this time of loss. Our time of acquaintances goes back many years at Bayers Road Baptist Church. Over that time we visited with Great and Bruce in Fairview, Bayers Park and New Harbour. I also share the common roots of Guysborough County as well, not to mention the Sponagle roots in my family. Enjoy memories of the good times going forward, knowing Greta held faith in God to see her through.
Charles and Gloria.
Lois & Denton
Dear Linda, Charles, Faye and Pam,
We were glad to have a visit with Aunt Greta last month. I will always remember the wonderful times we spent together with both Uncle Bruce and Aunt Greta and the laughter we shared around Gram Sponagle’s table. Take comfort in all the happy memories you hold dear.