September 19, 1943 – April 13, 2026
It is with heavy hearts the family announce the passing of Ruthann Alice (Murphy) Galbraith on Monday April 13, 2026, at the Loch Lomond Village with her family by her side. Born in Saint John, N.B. on September 19, 1943, Ruthann was the daughter of the late Winnifred “Winnie”
(Cox) Murphy, and Walter Murphy and loving widow of the late Gordon Murray Galbraith (2004).
Ruthann is survived by three natural and two chosen children; Scott (Coral) Hurley, Joanne (Greg) Hurley, Heather Hurley, Katharine (Adonia) Chiasson, and Glenn (Debbie) Hurley, all of Saint John, grandchildren; Lindsey, Courtney, Jeremy, Shannon, Jill, Brandon, Bria, Paige and
several great grandchildren and loving sister – in law; Sandra Murphy, of P.E.I. several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Later in life Ruthann had the joy of connecting with her biological family. Gerald “Jerry” (Alva) Powell, of Saint John, Douglas (Linda) Powell, of Moncton, John (Lisa) Powell, of Fredericton, Harold “Harry” (Bill) Powell, of Kelowna, B.C., Louise (Larry) Maxwell, of Saint John, and Hilda Minor, of Florida.
Ruthann was predeceased by her loving parents; Winnie and Walter Murphy, her biological father; Gordon Powell, her husband; Gordon Murray Galbraith, siblings; Douglas Murphy, George “Ted” Murphy.
Mom married young and became an instant mother to her two chosen children and brought into the world three more. The amazing woman she was, made a loving home and life for all of her children. Aside from being an amazing mother, she always found time to perfect her art of making the most amazing, sweet goods for her family. (Secret ingredient was love). Her children were her focus in life and when she had time her other joys in life were books and bridge. These were times that made her life happy.
A special thank you to the Loch Lomond Village family who loved and cared for our mother the last 5 yrs of her life. We are eternally grateful.
The arrangements are under the care and direction of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B. (506 634 1701). A visitation will be held on Friday April 17, 2026, from 11:00am to 12:00pm. A Memorial Service will be held in Castle “Fallsview” Chapel on Friday April 17, 2026, at 12:00pm. A reception will be held at Castle Funeral Home following the service. Interment will take place in Fernhill cemetery. Donations to the S.P.C.A. or Hestia house in memory of Ruthann would be appreciated. Online condolences can be made at www.Castlefh.ca
