Mary-Margaret “Muggs” (Rowland) Murtha of Waterloo, and formerly of Listowel, passed away due to complications of lupus at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Saturday, September 14, 2024, in her 72nd year.
Soul-mate and cherished wife of the late Dave Murtha (2016). Proud mother of Meghan & Rob Doig of Listowel and their children Anne, Louis, Brennan and Edith, Patrick & Lisa (O’Connell) Murtha of Waterloo and their children Jack, Logan, and Thomas, Keelan & Martin Pinnau of St. Clements and their children Luke, Hunter, Edwyn, Gerrit, Kurt, and Bennett (son of Dave Gall), and Dan & Julie (Van Herk) Murtha of Listowel and their daughters Rosie, Norah, and Ivey.
Survived by her siblings Luanne Konkin and husband Tom of Abbotsford, B.C., Colleen Eickmeier of Dublin, Ontario, and Pat Rowland of Edmonton, Alberta; in-laws Tom Murtha of North Bay, Mike Murtha of Trenton, Bill & Judy Murtha of Brighton, Liz & Bill Love of Clinton. Loved by many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by her parents Lou & Anne (Gaunt) Rowland, sister-in-laws Anita (Pat) Rowland, Patricia (Mike) Murtha, Claudette (Tom) Murtha, Patricia (Peter) Murtha; and brother-in-law Peter Murtha.
Muggs enjoyed her career as a primary school teacher, beginning at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Elementary School in Kitchener and then at Eastdale Public School and Central Public School in Listowel, Ontario.
She was passionate about community service and grew deep friendships with many people through her involvement with the Listowel Kinnettes, Listowel School of Dance, Listowel Minor Soccer, and more recently, through food preparation for the less fortunate in Waterloo region with Tiny Home Takeout.
Muggs shared her strong Christian faith through various ministries over the years as she sought to spread the love of Christ, starting with establishing Christ-In-Others (COR) retreats for teenagers, contributing to the music ministry at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Listowel for over 30 years, teaching Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at various churches in both Listowel and Waterloo, leading the Rosary Apostolate in local Catholic elementary schools, helping to establish Lay Apostolate For Families (LAFF) in Stratford, and being a driving force for Youth Unlimited YFC North Perth in its early days.
Muggs was a spirited Nana who cherished her family, and was a devoted cheerleader for her beloved ‘grandkidlins’ at a range of activities – piano and dance recitals, and baseball, football, hockey, rugby, soccer, and volleyball games. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm were a source of inspiration to everyone who knew her.
The family would like to acknowledge the outstanding and compassionate care their mother received from Dr. Derek Gateman and the 1st floor staff at Listowel Memorial Hospital and North Perth Community Hospice, as well as the pastoral care provided by Father Ross Bartley.
Her wake will be held at the Parkview Gardens (Legion) Listowel on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm & 6:00pm to 8:00pm with parish prayers at 1:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Kinkora on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 11:00am with interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Memorial donations to Tiny Home Takeout and/or North Perth Community Hospice are appreciated, and may be made through the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
