MURIEL MARGARET IRWIN

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MURIEL MARGARET IRWIN On January 22, 2007 Muriel passed away peacefully at the Charleswood Care Centre with her children by her side at the age of 92 years. She will be sadly missed by her daughter Barbara Cooke (Al), son Bill (Kathy); granddaughters, Leanne Stutsky (Lawrence), Lorraine Cooke, Aynsley (Michael), Cassandra (Don); great-grandchildren, Raya (Mike) and Shaylyn Stutsky. She was predeceased by her husband Slim in 1996 and her granddaughter Nicole Cooke in 1964. She was the last surviving child of William and Margaret Gordon. Her predeceased siblings were Rene, Jess, Dorothy, Lloyd and Jim( Babe). Muriel was born in Belmont, Manitoba in 1914 where she spent her formative years as part of the large and well-known Gordon family. It was here that she completed her education, taught Sunday School and was very active in her home community. Muriel was an outstanding athlete especially in baseball, curling and figure skating. Belmont was also where she met her husband and life long partner Slim . They were married in 1940. They eventually moved to Winnipeg. It was here that they moved into their home in the north end and became a part of a very close-knit group of neighbourhood friends. Muriel was a kind and loving person. She was a devoted wife to her husband and a caring mother to her two children. She was a hard worker, and managed to raise her children and work full time for Eaton's of Canada for many years. After her retirement she spent several years volunteering, and worked with special needs children for various organizations. Muriel's gentle side was always visible, but it also complimented with a fierce and steadfast nature, which she could easily call upon to put people in their place. Especially when it came to looking out for her loved ones. In the end it was perhaps this side of her personality that gave her the strength to live such a long and fulfilling life. The family wishes to give special thanks to a tireless, compassionate and loving group of nurses and health care workers at the Charleswood Care Centre, for their efforts in caring for our mother. In keeping with Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place and she is now with her husband. A private family interment ceremony will take place at a later date. Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountaintop, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 25, 2007