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Gladys Murray
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In Loving Memory
February 1926-June 2026
Gladys Murray, a founding member of the Abbotsford art scene, an entrepreneur, and a beloved mother, passed away peacefully in June 2026 at the age of 100, leaving behind a rich legacy of creativity, resilience, and boundless spirit.
Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Gladys was the youngest of four children and was predeceased by her three older brothers: Jack, Fred, and Bill.
From an early age, her artistic talent was impossible to ignore. While attending the Faulkner Smith Art School, her extraordinary skill quickly caught the industry’s eye—as a second-year student, she was hired as Chief Artist for the Vancouver Motion Picture Company. In an era when theaters crafted all their own promotional material, Gladys created original artwork for feature posters and cinema shorts.
It was during these early years that one of her favorite memories unfolded: while on an early date with her future husband, Jim, at a Vancouver Orpheum Theater—a promotional short appeared on the screen showing a hand turning book pages. Recognizing her own work, Gladys turned to Jim and said, “That’s my artwork… and that’s also my hand.” Jim reached over and took her hand—a moment that sparked a lifelong partnership.
Always an innovator, Gladys remained in Vancouver, where she and a partner introduced silk screening to the local industry for the first time. Working as a seamless team—Gladys managing the artwork and film transfers—they demonstrated a level of efficiency never before seen in the city, producing in a single hour what previously took a team a full week. Their groundbreaking technique led to them being hired by Shellier and Company.
In 1949, Gladys married Jim Murray. The couple soon moved to Abbotsford, where Jim took a position as a teacher, and together they raised four children: James Scott, Shannon, Lee, and Robin.
Gladys’s passion for art continued to inspire those around her. After a brief stint teaching night school in 1963, eager students sought her out for private instruction. She began offering lessons in her basement, and within five years, her warmth and expertise drew over 200 students a week. Recognizing the need for a dedicated creative space, Gladys opened The House of Fine Art in Abbotsford in 1970. What began as a teaching studio quickly expanded into a flourishing art supply and custom framing business that became a true anchor for the local arts community. She operated the studio until her retirement in 1983, passing the business to her son Lee. Today, The House of Fine Art still proudly stands as a testament to her vision and hard work.
Following her retirement in 1990, Gladys and Jim embraced new horizons, including a memorable journey to China. Her adventurous spirit only grew bolder over the years. At 86, following Jim’s passing, she joined her daughter Shannon and son-in-law John on a cross-country motorcycle trip. She continued riding on the back of the bike until she was 91 years old—always vigorous, excited, and thriving on the adventure. Whether riding through scorching deserts, pouring rainstorms, or even riding out tornadoes in Dallas, Gladys loved every single mile of the journey.
Gladys was predeceased by her loving husband James (Jim) and her son James Scott Murray. She is lovingly remembered by her surviving children: Shannon (Murray) Jefferson (John), Lee Murray (Sandy), and Robin Murray (Linda), her grandchildren Lia Murray, Scotia Roth, Clinton Murray, Cora Murray, Jodie Murray, Jordan Jefferson and Tyler Jefferson and her great grandchildren Miles (10), Emmett (7), Dorothy (6) and Isaac (2), Alex (8) and Kimberly (4) as well as Anna, Krystan, Rachelle and Brooklyn, her extended family, former students, and many friends.
Gladys will be remembered for her sharp intellect, artistic legacy, steadfast determination, and the deep, fearless love she brought to her family, her art, and every life adventure.
A Celebration of Life for Gladys will be held on Sunday, September 13 at the Clarion Hotel, 36035 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford, BC from 11 am – 3 pm in the Mount Baker Room.
We wish to thank the Cowichan Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Cowichanhospice.org would be most appreciated
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre
H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Dana Guenther ( Campbell)
Relation: .Student
Memories of my days painting in the House of Fine Art with Mrs.Murray always warm my heart. I am so thankful I was able to spend many years there . Mrs. Murray was kind, caring , welcoming , sweet & richly blessed with artistic talent! She instilled so much knowledge in my younger self that I still remember and use today.
I will always remember how she laughed and the patience she had to of had teaching so many students each week! Such great memories including if I ever had to visit the Cannon clinic seeing the portraits she painted hanging on the walls! I was so proud of her incredible talent and that I knew her! When I hear a Neil Diamond song my mind goes back to her studio remembering him playing on the dome record player.
Mrs. Murray truly was a special lady i was thankful to have known and been privy to her wealth of knowledge . Thank you also to her own children who shared their sweet Mom with a lot of us other kids!
Amazing talent, wisdom & kindness that will never be forgotten ! Thank you Mrs. Murray
Sincerely, Dana Campbell
From: Pat Bevan
Relation: A friend.
So sorry to hear this sad news. Glad was a loving and caring friend. Jim and Glad were our friends for many years. It was always great to share time with them.
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