Muriel FOLKES

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FOLKES: Muriel Eileen Folkes (Meadows) of Camrose (formerly of Kelowna and Edmonton), passed away on April 4, 2020 at the age of 87. Left to mourn her are children Karen (Dean) Brooks of New Norway, Alberta, John (Dawn) Folkes of Calgary, and Cheryl Folkes of Toronto; grandchildren Tyler Brooks (Kristina), Evan Brooks, Crystal Stevens, Marla Stevens; two great grandchildren, Nadezhda and Emrys; two sisters, Marjorie Prowse and Devona Sherman; sisters-in-law Wanda Meadows and Shirley Meadows; many nieces and nephews, including special nieces Darlene Shouldice (Harrington) and Jan Duffy (Meadows). She was predeceased by her husband, Gerald Folkes, and brothers, Reg, Doug, Art, infant Clifford and sisters Olive Harrington, Florence White and infant Evelyn as well as niece, Joyce Douglas (Sherris) and nephew, Bill White. Muriel had a long and interesting life. Born in Minnedosa, she grew up on a farm with her parents Reg and Florence Meadows and seven brothers and sisters and attended Roseneath School. As a teenager she moved off the farm to Brandon where she excelled at school and was the Valedictorian at Brandon Collegiate Institute. Upon graduation she worked at Brandon’s Bank of Montreal and banking became her career throughout her life. She and Gerry were married at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in 1954. He was in the Canadian army and so they lived many places in Canada as well as in Soest, Germany and Mclean, Virginia.Being an army wife, on many occasions, she was a single mom to their three children as Gerry was off on courses or on exotic postings. After retiring, Muriel and Gerry moved to Kelowna where they lived happily and enjoyed being around many siblings and friends. Gerry died in February 2005 and a year later Muriel moved to Camrose, Alberta to be closer to Karen. She knew no one there except her daughter’s family but quickly became a part of the community.She was able to travel during this time and enjoyed several trips with her children including cruises, and a trip to Hawaii. Her last trip was to Arizona for Karen’s birthday. It was on her return from this holiday that she contracted COVID-19. She spent one week in the hospital and spent much time with John and Cheryl. She passed peacefully with Cheryl holding her hand.Muriel’s life was so enriched by her family and friends and she was blessed to have many people who cared deeply for her. She truly was a remarkable, strong woman who touched so many people’s lives. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted at Caleb Ministries Association of Alberta, PO Box 1292, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2L2 (Please specify Springs of Life Children’s Home).Condolences can be left at www.hainstockedmonton.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 11, 2020