Murray, Eyton Elizabeth 'Pixie'
Eyton Elizabeth “Pixie” Murray (nee Bradshaw) passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at the age of 75.
She is missed and celebrated by her children, Gregor (April) and Kaitland Murray, and their father, John Murray; her grandchildren Brinnem and Blake; her brother Leo Bradshaw (Suzanne) and her nephew and nieces Daniel, Kelsie and Amy; and her beloved dog, Hannah. She is predeceased by her parents Charles and Eyton (Embury) Bradshaw, and her cousins and partners in crime, Owen and Bill Carsley.
She was loved by so many, and sometimes it seemed like they all had a different name for her. Many knew her as Elizabeth, or Lizzy, or Priscilla, but those who knew her the longest and the best called her Pixie, a nickname that could not have suited her more. Born in Toronto, Pixie graduated from Havergal College and the Seneca College Nursing Program. She spent her summers at her family cottage, Eastbourne, on Lake Simcoe, where her life-long love of golf, swimming, sailing and tennis began. A natural athlete, she was an avid skier and accomplished golfer, winning several trophies including the Junior Ladies Golf Tournament at The Toronto Golf Club. After her marriage, she had the chance to move often and explore new places, living in Princeton, New Jersey, Vancouver, BC, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, before settling in Ottawa in the early 1980’s. She called Ottawa home for nearly 30 years, surrounded by great friends and enjoying her work with children and in the medical field. She moved to Thornbury, Ontario in the early 2000’s and often spoke of how lucky she was to find this incredible community where she made so many dear friends. They were a source of joy to her and a true highlight of her life.
Pixie had a huge sense of humour, fun and adventure. She loved to laugh, and most memories of her involve something hilarious and absurd. She was known for her kindness, warmth and endless generosity, and will be remembered as one of history’s best gift givers. Her deep compassion showed in her tremendous love of animals, and her curiosity and keen wit were reflected in her passion for travel, reading, and a good story. She had a gifted eye for decorating, and enjoyed making things beautiful for everyone around her. Throughout her life, she cherished her time spent in Muskoka, and on the lake was probably where she was the happiest.
According to her wishes, there will be a small, private ceremony held at a later date.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Georgian Triangle Humane Society in Pixie’s memory would be greatly appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Thursday, March 6, 2025
To Kait and Gregor
I am very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My business partner Lynne and I absolutely adored her. We had a pet name for her, Edith. I wish we had known her as Pixie, as that name does suit her best. She was such a sweetheart…so kind and fun. We were looking forward to sharing more hilarious conversations (and wine) with your mom, but will have to settle for good memories of her friendship.
Rest in peace dear lady.
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Growing up, I shared a Crib with Leo . We were the same age , both born in 1946. Eyton, Pixe and Leo’s mom was my mom’s best friend growing up in Regina . I still have the clipping of their dad’s appointment to Judges at the same time. Eyton was a great storyteller. She’d dated my mom’s older brother who died in GB flying before WW2. John said he’d supervise Mom as an early teen and she and Eyton double dated. Eyton told how the teens had used a latter to get back into the house after a fun night out while their fathers were drinking in the library. Eyton was a great story teller and revealed my mom’s deepest secrets. One of them broke a high heel. Can’t recall whether they were found out.
Bob and I spent many happy weekends with Mom( nee Mollie Bigelow ) up at Eastbourne . Eaton had great yellow and blue dishes reminding me of VanGogh. We visited them on sale ave as well. Eyton was very very funny.
We always heard Pixie was doing great. I sad not to have met her . Maybe Leo can be in touch. I think he and Bob played golf together with their low handicaps.
Condolences to all.
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Kait and Gregor,
As Heather said in her message, your Mom was our favourite ‘client turned friend’. Spending time with Elizabeth was always such a pleasure. We’d talk about serious subjects, light subjects, everything under the sun and mostly, we’d laugh. Elizabeth was simply wonderful and will be well remembered.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
To Elizabeth’s family,
I was so saddened to hear of Elizabeth’s passing. You have my deepest sympathy. Elizabeth was such a caring, joyful soul. We met when she first brought Reudle to see us at the Animal Hospital. We shared many joys and tears with our shared love of her dogs, Reudle, Finn and Hannah. She was a regular at the Animal Hospital and the whole team always enjoyed seeing her. We knew it would be a good day when we were able to visit with Elizabeth. If I was able, I would always spare a few moments to chat with her when she came in. Even my little dog, Tessa, that came to work with me, could recognize Elizabeth’s voice. Tessa would always wake, even if she was in a deep sleep, and come to the front to say hello and get attention from Elizabeth. She never failed to remember all the staff members at Christmas time.
Elizabeth, accompanied by her dogs, would join me, many evenings at the ball diamonds to cheer on my son’s baseball team. I always tried to keep her posted about the baseball schedule. And she was there to cheer them on when they won the Bantam championship.
Even though Elizabeth met me as a client she became a true friend, who I would visit with whenever I saw her both at work and in the community. She had an infectious smile and laugh. I will truly miss her, she was a joy to be around.
Friday, March 14, 2025
Kait, Oh no! I am so sorry to hear the news. Your mom was always a bright spot in our Pyatt life together for so many years! She will be so missed by us Smiths, she was a wonderful friend and neighbour.
Friday, March 14, 2025
Kait,
What a beautiful tribute to your Mom. I always enjoyed my time with Pixie. Her sense of humour, mischievous smile and feisty personality always made for some fun!! I am so sorry for your families loss. She will be missed.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Dear Kait, Gregor and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your mom. Elizabeth was the absolute best with a selfless personality full of kindness, love and laughter. Her generosity and support to community, friends and animals in need was endless. She was so well loved in the community and she will be truly missed. There are so many precious memories of our time with Elizabeth that we will forever hold in our hearts. Elizabeth was the dearest friend anyone could ask for and for that we are blessed. Rest in peace dear Elizabeth we love you.
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Dear Kait and Gregor: It was with a sad heart that we heard of Pixie’s sudden passing. Gone too soon! She was a dear friend, full of laughter, kindness, and encouragement. We thoroughly enjoyed her love of, and keen eye for interior design, home decorating, collecting, and antiques. She loved the understated English country look, and introduced me to the glory of Victorian Pink Lustre. Pixie was a bright light in our neighborhood in Ottawa, was always just a phone call away to help with the children, or be a listening ear as our kids were growing up. Her laughter, and her sense of the absurd was that of a honed stand-up comic. She taught me a lot about humor, and turning life on its head and seeing the fun as well as truth in everything. We cannot tell you how much we will miss her and how much she added to our lives. She was a privilege to know and we pass on or deepest of condolences. Mary-Anne and Walter Zubrycky