The Murphy Funeral Home
296 Isabella Street
Pembroke,
ON
K8A 5S9
Fax:
613-735-6228
Email:
murphyfuneral@nrtco.net
Our History
On a hill near the shores of the Ottawa River, in the heart of the beautiful Ottawa Valley, our building, located at 296 Isabella Street dates back to the early 1870's. It was built by Thomas Murray, who came to Pembroke from Goulbourne, Carlton County in 1858. With his brother William, they established a thriving entrepreneurship consisting of general merchandise, hotels, brickyards, construction and a fur trading business second only in size to the Hudson's Bay Company. Through the efforts of these brothers, the inter provincial bridges at Portage du Fort and Des Joachims were constructed. At one time they had a 10 general stores between Cobden and Chapeau. Thomas Murray was an early mayor of Pembroke (1897-1900) and for twenty years sat in both the provincial and federal parliaments. Thomas Murray had a team of tame moose to pull his sleigh in the winter months. They are pictured in the photo bottom left.
In 1909 the residence was purchased by James F. Munro who, came to Pembroke in 1889 to work with his cousin, J.W. Munro, a contractor. He made many renovations to the residence. Following J.W.'s death, James Munro branched out on his own. He built the splendid 'Munro Block' at Pembroke and Victoria Streets. He was the president of The Pembroke Iron Works, The Massey Lumber Company, director of the Pembroke Electric Company, The Thomas Pink Company and head of the Pembroke Realty Company.
James F. Munro was killed in a plane crash in 1919 near Eganville, Ontario at the age of 46 while on a Victory War Bond Drive. His funeral was held from the home at 296 Isabella Street and the procession, according to his obituary in the newspaper, was a mile long. His widow, Margaret Jane (Little) Munro owned the home until 1932. In 1932 the home was purchased by the Woolsey Brothers who were well known plumbers in Pembroke who then turned the residence into apartments.
In 1950 the residence was purchased by Arthur and Katie Leach. Art was an accountant at The Canadian Forces Base , Petawawa. They owned the building until June of 1963 when it was purchased by John Hattin of Bancroft.
Our Business History
On May 29, 1963 , 296 Isabella Street was purchased by John Hattin, a funeral director from Bancroft, Ontario. After months of renovations, an open house was held September 24, 1963 and John Hattin and his partner Gene Murphy established the Hattin Funeral Home. In 1971 John Hattin's Funeral Home in Bancroft was consuming more of his time and the distance in those days was considerable, so the Pembroke Funeral Home was sold to Gene Murphy. The business become the Hattin-Murphy Funeral Home and soon after, The Murphy Funeral Home. Gene and his wife Lorraine raised their four children Christine, Anne, Michael and Melanie over the Funeral Home while serving the people of Pembroke with outstanding care , compassion and personal service. Art Leach and Gene had become very good friends and for many years until Art's death in 1989, he assisted Gene in the Funeral Home. Gene and Lorraine were very active in their community. In 1999 John and Sandra Huff, with their two children Warren and Jordan, joined Gene and Lorraine Murphy and purchased the company. They now operate the The Murphy Funeral Home in the same personal, caring and compassionate way that the Murphy's had for almost forty years.
Service, compassion, integrity, attention to detail and a quiet professional presence have been the hallmarks of the The Murphy Funeral Home
We are proud of our Funeral Home. The building has been a Pembroke landmark for over 145 years. As renovations take place, we are ever mindful to the design and period of it's Victorian charm. The major renovation of our Funeral Home with leaded glass enhanced windows, typical of the doorways and windows of the time and the addition of period lighting and high ceilings are examples of blending with tradition. The brick we used in our renovation is over 100 years old.
As aesthetically pleasing as tradition is, we take pride in our ability to be innovative leaders in a constantly changing and demanding profession. Our unwavering desire is to provide personal attention, care and commitment to every family we serve.
From traditional to tribute we are here to guide you through the experience of the death of a loved one in meaningful and comforting ways. We have been 'Honouring Family Memories' since 1963.
