Nancy Augusta (Howlett) Murdock of Ironwood, passed away peacefully Jan. 7, 2014, at 81 years old.            She was born in Winchendon, Mass,. Jan. 14, 1932, to Foster and Edna Howlett. She was the oldest of seven children, with five brothers and a sister.       After attending Athol High School for two years, she transferred to Gardner High and received her diploma.       She married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Murdock, Sept. 6, 1950, and had five children, three boys and two girls. They were married 63 years until his passing Dec. 27, 2013.      Nancy was an enthusiastic and outgoing person who never met a stranger and always encouraged others. Her favorite hobby was quilting and many members of the family proudly display her quilts in their homes. She also liked to write poetry and short stories, having earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Minnesota. For many years, she and Bob edited a family newspaper,"The Murdock Muse" which kept family members and friends from all over the world up to date on what everyone was doing.      Nancy is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob; and two brothers, Andrew Howlett and Steven Howlett.      She is survived by her five children, Valerie Davidson, Roy (Tami) Murdock, Darrel (Mary) Murdock, Ian Murdock and Meredith Murdock; three brothers, Thomas Howlett, Douglas Howlett and John Howlett; and her sister, Pauline "Polly" Joubert.      Nancy was greatly loved and will be terribly missed.      Arrangements were with McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood, where condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.