Marsha Murphy Skain passed away peacefully in her 87th year, surrounded by family. She left this world when she was ready, on her own terms, with the same quiet strength, clarity, and grace that defined her life.
Marsha was, first and foremost, a deeply loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She was the cherished mother of John (Leslie), Catherine (Doug), Peter (Laura), Sandra (Darcy), Paul, Timothy, Andrew, and Liz (Eric), and the proud grandmother of Caitlin, Madelaine, Avery, Nathanial, Rory, Sawyer, Finn, and Jake. Her family was her heart. Time spent with her children and grandchildren was her greatest joy and remained her inspiration throughout her life.

Known for her kindness, empathy, and calm presence, Marsha had a rare gift for listening and for helping others feel understood and valued. She was thoughtful, reflective, and deeply compassionate, and many people turned to her for guidance, comfort, and counsel during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Born in Sudbury, Ontario, to Ray Murphy and Mona Gegear, Marsha spent her early years in several northern communities, including Noranda, Quebec, and Virginiatown, Kirkland Lake, Copper Cliff, and North Bay, Ontario. These formative years shaped her resilience, independence, and deep appreciation for community. She attended St. Mary’s Academy and later St. Joseph’s College in North Bay before moving to Toronto to pursue nursing at St. Michael’s Hospital, School of Nursing.

Marsha’s intellectual curiosity and lifelong love of learning led her to further studies at St. Michael’s College, School of Theology, in Toronto. Over more than twenty years of study, undertaken while raising her family, she earned both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry. Her academic accomplishments were driven not by ambition, but by a profound desire to better understand the human experience and to serve others with wisdom and compassion.

She returned to St. Michael’s Hospital to complete a year-long residency in Pastoral Care Ministry, followed by a Specialist Program in Pastoral Care, while simultaneously working at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. In 1993, Marsha began her work at Sunnybrook Hospital, where she provided chaplaincy services in the Critical Care Unit. There, she played a meaningful role in supporting patients, families, and medical staff during moments of crisis and transition. In support of a hospital initiative, she undertook a doctoral project focused on defining and advancing “person-centred care” within the Critical Care Unit—work that reflected her deep belief in dignity, presence, and compassionate care. She later retired to Muskoka to complete her doctoral thesis.

Muskoka held a special place in Marsha’s heart. It was there that she found peace, fulfillment, and a strong sense of belonging. During her years in Muskoka, she accepted an invitation to provide pastoral care within the United Church congregation in Gravenhurst, where she formed close connections and served the community with warmth and dedication. After twelve happy years, Marsha returned to southern Ontario—living in Burlington, Collingwood, and Toronto—to be closer to family.

In her final years, Marsha resided at New Horizons Towers Retirement Home in Toronto, where she received exceptional care and support and formed many new friendships. Even in later life, she remained curious, engaged, and grateful, continuing to offer kindness and quiet wisdom to those around her.
Marsha is survived by her children, grandchildren and sisters, Diane Corbett (Kathleen) and Karen Prevost (Richard), and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday January 28, 2026 at Turner & Porter - Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto at 11 a.m. Reception to follow.

Donations may be made to the Dovercourt Baptist Foundation or to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.turnerporter.ca