Former Sudbury MPP Sharon Murdock has died

Sharon Murdock was elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1990 as part of the first NDP government in the province’s history.

Sharon Murdock, who was the New Democrat MPP for Sudbury from 1990-1995, has died.

“Ontario, Sudbury and Nickel Belt sadly lost Sharon Murdock last night,” Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

“Sharon was a dedicated New Democrat. Our condolences go out to the extended Murdock family on the loss of Sharon. She will be greatly missed.”

Current Sudbury NDP MPP Jamie West also paid tribute to Murdock, posting a picture of Murdock and other New Democrats supporting him during his first election bid, and another from just two weeks ago.

“They’re typical of all my photos of Sharon -- surrounded by friends, making good things happen in our community,” West said.

Murdock was elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1990 as part of the first NDP government in the province’s history, led by former Premier Bob Rae.

She was one of a trio of New Democrat MPPs elected in the area in 1990, along with Shelley Martel (the former Sudbury East riding) and Floyd Laughren (Nickel Belt).

She was defeated in the 1995 election by Liberal Rick Bartolucci, but remained active in the party, working to support area NDP candidates in each provincial and federal election since.

In her tribute to Murdock, Gélinas said there will be a Celebration of Life in the fall.

“Sharon was a mentor and a friend,” Gélinas wrote.

“Always willing to help, always willing to work hard. I will miss her.”