Obituary of Noreen Vivian Murphy

Noreen Vivian Murphy (née Piercey)
January 8, 2026 | Age 81

It is with deep love and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Noreen Vivian Murphy (née Piercey) of Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, on January 8, 2026, at the age of 81.

Born in Corner Brook, NL,  Noreen met the love of her life, Gerry, in her hometown. Together, they later relocated to Stephenville, NL, where they raised their family and built a life rooted in love, dedication, and community. Noreen and Gerry were inseparable in their devotion to one another, sharing a deep commitment to their family, their careers, and the communities they served.

Noreen was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a deeply cherished Nana whose warmth, kindness, and quiet strength touched all who knew her. Family was the heart of Noreen’s world, and she took immense pride in each of them, celebrating their achievements and offering unwavering love and support throughout their lives.

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 58 years T. Gerald Murphy; her twin sons, Stephen (Krista Fudge) of Steady Brook and Sean (Tina Delaney) of St. John’s; and her daughter Janice (Dennis Shelley) of Stephenville. She was a proud and devoted Nana to her grandchildren Leah, Megan, Madeline, William, and Charles, each of whom brought her endless joy.

Noreen is also lovingly remembered by her brothers Winston Piercey and Lloyd Piercey (Linda), along with her many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father, Wilson (Bill) Piercey (1993); her mother, Dorothy Piercey (2021); and her brothers, John Piercey (2015) and Ronald Piercey (2012).

A proud educator and lifelong learner, Noreen dedicated her professional career to post-secondary education. She retired from her role as a College Administrator at the College of the North Atlantic in Stephenville, where she was respected for her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to student success. Her passion for education was reflected in her achievements at both Memorial University and St. Francis Xavier University with a Master’s degree in Adult Education, a milestone she held with great pride.

Following retirement, Noreen and Gerry returned to their home community of Corner Brook, where they continued to enjoy life surrounded by family and friends. They also spent many winters basking in the warmth of Barbados, where they built a wonderful circle of friends who will miss Noreen greatly and remember her for her kindness, warmth, and genuine spirit.

Noreen was a dedicated volunteer with the Stephenville Theatre Festival and Chamber of Commerce, and an active member of the Rotary Club in both Stephenville and Corner Brook. Through her volunteerism, she forged lasting friendships and made meaningful contributions to the cultural and civic life of her communities.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to Noreen’s family physician, Dr. Erin Smallwood; the hospitalists, nurses, and all staff at Western Memorial Hospital; and the staff at Westmount Estates Retirement Community, all of whom provided Noreen with genuine love, care, and attention.

Noreen will be remembered for her gracious nature, her love of learning, her devotion to family, and the generosity with which she lived her life. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched—as an educator, volunteer, friend, wife, mother, and Nana.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at Fillatre’s Funeral Home, 4 St. Mark's Avenue, Corner Brook on Sunday, January 11th from the hours of 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will take place at the Roman Catholic Cathedral, Corner Brook, on Tuesday,  January 13th at 10 a.m. with Father Terry officiating. Interment will follow at the Mt Patricia cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Western Regional Hospital Foundation or to a charity of one’s choice.