MURIEL (MYRT) AILEEN BOXALL (CHALMERS)

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MURIEL (MYRT) AILEEN BOXALL (nee CHALMERS) Surrounded by her family, Myrt's last call came peacefully on Monday August 22, 2011; fittingly leaving the party of life at 4:00 a.m. Myrt was born December 16, 1927 to Russell Duck and Mary Chalmers of Manitou, MB. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Susan (Don) Found and son Jeff (Norma) Younger; grandsons Scott (Ali) McKay and Mike McKay (Chantal); granddaughters Katy Younger (Ross Mann) and Christine Younger; great-granddaughters Mielah, Brynn and Ella McKay and great-grandson Ryan Mann; cousin Judy Morin who was like another daughter; second husband Dan Lafreniere, with whom she maintained a very special friendship; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. She was predeceased by her parents Duck and Mary, brothers Jerry and Boyd Chalmers, first husband Fred Younger and third husband John Boxall. After her children were in school, Myrt went into nursing, graduating top in her class of 1962. She was a no-nonsense, determined, hard working woman who instilled in her children a strong work ethic and understanding that learning was a lifelong endeavour. Life learning, not book learning , she always said, was the measure of a person, and her belief that who' you are not what' you are was of utmost importance. She encouraged her children to be involved in sports and any activity that modelled values of becoming self-sufficient, responsible, productive and giving members of society. Having grown up in small towns, Myrt loved that sense of community and felt at home once she moved to St. Vital in 1955. She was always involved in her community, whether it was singing in the choir at Regents Park United Church, writing newsletters for Glenwood Community Club as well as supporting their fundraising activities, giving perms and haircuts to all the neighbours or making a huge batch of food and calling all that could come to have supper. Myrt loved to be busy and thoroughly enjoyed the company of others. Music was always important and the piano was seldom quiet. Myrt played by ear and only learned to read music after she sent Susan for piano lessons! Following any event, folks would come back to Myrt's living room and singsongs would go into the wee hours of the morning. Myrt loved a good party and was always the last to leave! She had friends of all ages, and still went to socials with her grandsons into her 80s, dancing up a storm to La Bamba! She was an avid reader, crossword puzzler and poetry writer. Most of her poems were meaningful, extremely thought provoking and philosophical. Everything she did, she did whole-heartedly and with love. She loved to explore the world - but her most loved trip was to Australia in 1996 with Susan, Scott and Mike. It meant so much to her that three generations were able to share such an adventure. Myrt was a very giving person whose sense of family extended beyond her own children and grandchildren to include many others. She always maintained close relationships with her stepchildren and their families. A celebration of Myrt's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 27, 2011 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. A gathering of family and friends will follow in the reception centre. Myrt enjoyed a life of good health, but the last few years were not kind to her. We would like to thank the many health professionals who cared for Mom over the last five years. Thanks also to the many friends who enriched her life. In lieu of flowers, if friends wish to honour Myrt, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, or the charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 24, 2011