Dr. Josephine McMurray

We are heartbroken by the recent passing of Dr. Josephine McMurray, a deeply respected researcher and leader within the AGE-WELL network. Her loss is felt profoundly across our community, and she will be remembered for her many contributions and spirit.

A gifted teacher and distinguished researcher, Josephine strongly believed that research could make a real-world difference. She was an Associate Professor at the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, in the Business Technology Management Program, and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing at Western University. Her research focused on key issues at the intersection of health care, technology and management. Recent studies examined the use of geo-location technologies in long-term care, and how older adults and smart technologies co-adapt to support independent living.

At AGE-WELL, Josephine served as Associate Scientific Director from 2022, generously sharing her expertise to advance the network’s mission. A long-time AGE-WELL researcher, she co-led the landmark Cog@Work project, an AGE-WELL initiative aimed at helping employers and employees adapt better to the challenges of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the workplace. Through this work, Josephine played a vital role in raising awareness of MCI, identifying work-related best practices, developing policies for more accessible workplaces, and nurturing the development of technologies to help people with MCI remain in the workforce.

Josephine’s deep commitment to family, her work and all the people around her was evident in everything she did. A mentor par excellence, she guided and inspired AGE-WELL trainees, helping to shape the next generation of leaders in technology and aging. Josephine was a core member of the AGE-WELL EPIC Summer Institute since the very first one in 2016. She demonstrated a true mastery of her field and a rare ability to teach and break down complex issues. She was known for her captivating presentations—her energy and insight left a lasting impression. A committed advocate for AgeTech and its potential to improve lives, Josephine spoke with passion on every occasion—whether leading a dynamic webinar or giving a great media interview.

We will miss Josephine dearly. Our condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and students on this profound loss.

An obituary and a tribute wall can be found at: https://erbgood.com/tribute/details/17728/Josephine-McMurray/obituary.html

A tribute honouring Josephine’s lasting impact will take place at the AGE-WELL Annual Conference on October 22-23, 2025, in Montreal.