Obituary of Liberty Murphy

Age 20, of Halifax, NS, passed away peacefully at home, September 24, 2022, in the loving embrace of her family after a brief and courageous battle with brain cancer. Born in Fredericton, NB, she is the daughter of Kim Landry and Thomas Murphy, and dad by choice James Squires. Liberty spent her early years in Sydney, Cape Breton attending Centre Scolaire Étoile de L’Acadie. As a child Liberty enjoyed Irish dancing, soccer and tae kwon do. Upon moving to Halifax, Liberty attended École Beaubassin, was a member of the Jeux L’Acadie Soccer Team and also played soccer for Halifax County United (HCU). Liberty graduated high school, École Secondaire de Sommet, in 2020 and started to pursue her goal to become a clinical psychologist. Liberty attended Saint Mary’s University, Bachelor of Science Program with a renewable scholarship and completed her first year making the Dean’s List. Liberty was employed, since the age of 15, by the Halifax Recreation Department as a Red Cross certified swim instructor. In pursuit of her National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification, Liberty focused on lifesaving in Swim Patrol and then earned her Bronze Star Award, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross and obtained her National Lifeguard certification at the age of 16. Liberty was a lifeguard at both HRM Rec Pools and Beaches and also became a lifeguard supervisor at the Spryfield Wave Pool and Beach Captain at her beloved Campbell Point. When unable to work or attend school, Liberty rallied her community to make her favourite beach accessible for those with mobility challenges and also started to highlight the limited wheelchair accessibility of public spaces and businesses within HRM. Liberty was an avid singer, piano and guitar player. She developed her love of music at an early age as an honorary member of the former Sacred Heart Church Choir singing along side her mother and Nanny and loved her piano lessons with Shauna Doolan. Without fear, Liberty could be counted on to jump on any stage whether it was with the drama club, Les Cinq Étoiles, or to sing her heart out for family and friends, at school, singing O Canada for the Coupe Mustache hockey game or an open mic at the Kempt Shore Music Festival. Liberty loved both her friends and family fiercely. She was quick to offer help and support always with the flash of her big, beautiful smile, a two thumbs-up, along with her signature, “Okie-Dokie,” and a wonderful hug. Liberty enjoyed camping in Dunvegan and Ben Eoin, game nights, playing Crib, bonfires, sing-songs and exploring all that Cape Breton has to offer with her family. Beach-combing and body surfing the ocean were always a priority. Dance-Offs with her sisters and twerking show-downs with Faith were always a source of family entertainment…and yes Liberty we know you are still the “Cool Sister” in the family. Liberty is survived by her mother, Kim Landry & dad by choice, James Squires and sister Faith, her father & step-mother Tom & Susie Murphy and sisters Heidi and Emily, all of Halifax, N.S. Grandparents: Brenda Landry, Tom Murphy Sr. and Patricia Murphy all of Sydney, NS. Uncles: Mike (Judy) Landry, Lawrencetown, NS, Mark (Amanda) Landry, Toronto, ON., Shawn Squires, Halifax, NS., Richard Squires, BC., Doug Squires, AB., Aunt Melanie (Sandy) Dolan, Sydney NS., Patsy (Tom) Feehan, Ottawa ON Cousins: Danielle, Mackenzie & Aubrey Landry, Evy & Aiden Landry, Breagh, Brayden & Luke Dolan, as well as a large extended family of great aunts/uncles and cousins. Also left to mourn her loss are her dear friends as well as her “bubbers” Mia & Poncho. A special thank you to Mandy, Liam, Kareem, Autumn and Sinead for being such amazing friends. Liberty was predeceased by her beloved Papa, Paul Landry, in 2018. Cremation has occurred. Visitation will be held, Monday, October 3, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held, Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 1:00pm. Both events will be held in T.J.Tracey Cremation & Burial Specialists, 71 McQuade Lake Crescent, Halifax, NS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Liberty’s name to your local Red Cross Equipment Loan Program or Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC). Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.tjtracey.com We will keep you lovingly in our hearts until we hold you again.