Margaret Lally “Ma” Murray was born in Kansas in 1888 and died September 25, 1982. Margaret came to Canada in search of a cowboy to marry; instead she met and married newspaper publisher George Murray. Margaret joined George as co-editor and publisher of a number of popular publications including The Chinook in Vancouver, B.C., The Bridge River-Lillooet News in Lillooet, B.C., and the Alaska Highway News in Fort St. John. Margaret became renowned in her own right for her funny, forthright, brassy, and coarse writing style, which ultimately endeared her to readers. Her editorials were often reprinted in other newspapers, thus allowing other readers the ability to experience her unique style. As well, in 1971, Margaret “Ma” Murray became an Officer of the Order of Canada. Murray continued to write her editorials long after the death of her husband and even the occasional column after her own retirement.

Additional information about Margaret Lally Murray’s colorful personality and style is available at the following websites.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Lally_%22Ma%22_Murray
https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/women/030001-1214-e.html