Peacefully and with dignity, surrounded by her dear friends and in virtual contact with her sole surviving family members, Muriel left us on June 26 in her one hundredth year. She will be greatly missed by her dear niece, Susan Glidewell, and her grand-nieces Tiffany Grace Francis, Trisha Ann Smith, Trina Joy Lafreniere, Lisa Fishman Morren and Holly Fishman Matthew, as well as by the many friends whose lives she touched over the years.

The daughter of Jewish immigrants, Clara (Joseph) Fishman and Harry Fishman, Muriel and her siblings, Ruth and Lionel, faced many childhood challenges growing up during the Depression.  Despite these early hardships and upheavals, and demonstrating the characteristic independence and determination for which she would always be known, Muriel completed her secretarial studies and pursued what would become a long and very successful career as a highly skilled legal secretary.

Beyond her work accomplishments, Muriel also enjoyed a very rich and satisfying life full of friends and endless activity, remaining active and fit throughout her life. She continued to cycle and cross-country ski into her early nineties.  Curious and engaged, she was an avid reader and conversationalist, loved movies and music, and later in life discovered her creative talents and the pleasures of sculpting.

In her final years, with failing health, Muriel steadfastly refused to relinquish her independence and remained determined to the end to live life on her own terms. Much appreciation for the kindness of the staff of the 7th floor of Pavilion D of the Jewish General Hospital, and a special thank you to Dr. Samuel Mamane and Dr. Adriana Decker for their compassionate care and understanding of Muriel’s final wishes. Thank you to Megan, Riyanna, Gloria and the good team at the Vista, for all their care and support during Muriel’s final years

A celebration of Muriel’s life will take place on Tuesday, 16 July, from noon till 2:00 PM, at the Mount Royal funeral complex on 1297 Forest Road in Outremont. Donations in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice.