Passed on peacefully on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at Miramichi, surrounded by family, in her 104th year, Muriel Morris (nee Hickey) in her cherished home in which she was born and lived her entire life. Predeceased by her husband Charles, she was born on March 21, 1907 to C.P. (Clifford) Hickey and Regina Burns. She leaves behind a son, Greg Morris (Linda) and a daughter, Mary Bowes (Mike), both of Miramichi. She is survived by six grandchildren, Kathy Costello (Fredericton), Terry Morris (Rye, NY), Brian Morris (Ottawa), Sarah Oldford (Halifax), David Bowes (Halifax and Kelowna) and Kevin Bowes (Miramichi). She had a unique and loving relationship with each of her grandchildren and spent many happy hours following their interests and accomplishments. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren - Kassie and Kaitlyn Costello, Charlie, Brady and Jamie Morris, Will and Olivia Oldford and Patrick Bowes. Known as Gaga to her grandchildren and their wide circle of friends, she was an active part of each of their lives. Her joy, kindness and dignity in dealing with wins, losses, set-backs and challenges was a trait that impressed all who knew her and a legacy passed to those who loved her. Muriel was active in several local societies throughout her life. She was a charter member of the Miramichi Golf & Country Club, a member of the Chatham Curling Club in her youth and one of the key organizers of the Altar Society. Muriel was the first secretary of the Parish Council of St. Michaels Basilica Parish, a church she served and attended her entire life. She was an avid bridge player, playing competitively until recently. Her competitive spirit, expressed with good humour, kindness and grace will be sorely missed by her dearly beloved bridge friends.
A celebration of Muriel's life will be held at St. Michael's Basilica, Miramichi at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2011. Visitation will be at Maher's Funeral Home (506-773-4321) on Thursday, February 17 at 7 p.m. and on Friday, February 18 at 2p.m. and 7 p.m. Prayers will be at 3 p.m. Friday. Her lifetime of faith, family and loyalty was returned to her by the care she received from family, caregivers, Dr Gerard Losier and the staff of the Extra-Mural Program in her final years. Expressions of condolences and donations in her memory can be made to a charity of the donor's choice. We will miss Gaga, she has made an indelible imprint on her children and their children, she will live on in every act of kindness, grace and dignity, her memories (and stories) will enrich our lives long after she has passed.