Obituary of Muriel Peterson

Muriel passed away before dawn on January 22, 2023, with family present.  Predeceased by her beloved husband, Arnold (Pete) Peterson.

Loving mother of Barry Peterson (Barb), and Lynda Denis (Mitch). Proud grandmother of Shauna Denis, Chris Denis (Molly and great-granddaughter Lily), and Jami Rundle (Tristan and great-granddaughter Audrey).  Muriel’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the source of so much of her joy.  She maintained a special friendship with Jami’s mother Debbie.  Her cherished sister Lois Forbes, and much-loved niece Beverley Macmillan, will miss her greatly.   

Muriel was born in Osgoode Township, the youngest of 4 siblings-Dorothy, Ernest, and Lois.  Her roots in Russell, Ontario began in 1812, after the marriage of her great great grandparents.  Muriel was an independent woman who taught school at a one-room schoolhouse, before gaining a business certificate and living and working in Ottawa.  She was keen to see the world and to travel. 

Muriel met and fell in love after meeting Pete at a dance. Soon afterwards she became the wife of a military man, and they started their family.  When posted to Germany they travelled extensively and with each posting they made friends for life. After returning to Ottawa, Muriel worked part time at Sears and always loved fashion and dressing up.   Social affairs included dancing and revelry at the Officers’ mess. Over the years, and even recently, her personality has often been described as sassy, with a dry wit, and always in on the joke.  

Athletic as a young woman, she enjoyed curling, tennis, and golfing throughout her life.  She and Pete continued to travel and enjoyed trips south to Florida to golf and soak up the sunshine over the winter. But she could never stay away from her grandchildren for too long.  Her family was the love of her life.   

After Pete passed away, he was laid to rest in Springhill Cemetery where multiple generations of the family are interred. Their headstone is in place, and it has the image of a couple golfing on the fairways. The monument reads TILL WE MEET AGAIN.   

An interment ceremony will occur later in the spring with family present.

For those who may choose to honour Muriel with a memorial donation, her charity of choice was always the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The family would like to thank Emmanuel United Church pastoral care. And most of all thank you to the amazing “Team Muriel” at The Redwoods Retirement Home who allowed mom to live her life on her terms.