Leonie died peacefully at home while surrounded by her loved ones on May 6, 2023, aged 80. Leonie was born in Clara, Co. Offaly to a family of 11 siblings, and made her way to Dublin to begin a career as a lab technician at Trinity College. Married in 1970 to Brendan Murphy, they raised a family of two boys Michael and Conor. During the seventies, Leonie balanced raising the boys with time spent working with Simon Pierce. Friendships throughout Ireland brought time spent mountaineering, hill walking, and swimming in the Atlantic and the Irish sea. In 1981, Leonie and family emigrated to Canada to embark on a new life, settling for years in North York. Much time was spent reading a good book, and Leonie was always well turned out in a chic outfit. Gardening and cuisine were very important to Leonie, and many dishes prepared came from her dedication to cultivating the bounties of the earth. Brendan and Leonie spent many years at their weekend retreat in Collingwood, entertaining and relaxing with friends and family. Leonie became known as Noni with the arrival of her six grandchildren, and they were a great source of vitality and delight for her lively personality.
Beloved wife for over 53 years to Brendan. Loving Mother of Michael (Jodi) and Conor (Frances). Adoring Noni of Mia, Siggi, Simon, Kathleen, James, and Owen. Will be greatly missed by her surviving siblings Michael, Carina, Grania and Ralph.