Born in Austin, Manitoba, Muriel began a long life of nurturing by helping to raise her 11 younger siblings at a young age.
Raised in Victoria she lived through the depression and the restrictions imposed during the war without ever losing her joy of life.
She married a young sailor, Holger Johnsen in 1942 and continued raising children with seven of her own.
Muriel and Holger spent their early married life in Winnipeg and she coped with a growing family on a shoe-string budget as he worked his way through university and medical school.
His successes led them to a series of moves that included St. Hyancinth, QC; Pines Falls, MB; Prince Rupert, BC and, finally, Chilliwack where they resided for over 30 years before moving closer to children in Surrey.
Muriel returned to Chilliwack after the death of her beloved husband and remained there until her family lost her on August 4, 2007.
She will be greatly missed by the many wonderful friends that she has made and kept throughout her life.
She had a gift for meeting people and possessed an easy practicality about life that made people gather around her.
She is predeceased by her husband, Holger, and three siblings William, Wilfred, and Arthur, as well as per precious second daughter, Sandy.
She leaves behind a large and loving family, as befits the way she lived her life: daughters: Karen (Allan) Botting and Katherine (Holly Tillotson); sons: Gary (Gale), Bob (Wendy), David, Glenn (Sandra); as well as 18 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brothers: Don (Berry), Robert (Linda), Ron, Allan (Diann), Maurice (Doreen), Gord (Karen); sisters:Doreen (Sam) and Joyce (Gabe), sisters-in-law: Betty Johnsen and Agnes Rodvik; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service will be held on Friday August 10, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.
Cremation. Donations to Canadian Cancer Society or SPCA in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.