Muriel Bernice Thomson
July 6, 1922 - December 21, 2008
MURIEL BERNICE THOMSON (nee MCINTOSH) Muriel Bernice Thomson (nee McIntosh) beloved wife of Ashley E. Thomson, peacefully left this world at the age of 86 years, early on Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Muriel was born on July 6, 1922 on the family farm near Scarth, Manitoba to William Edson McIntosh and Margaret May McIntosh (nee Gall). She was predeceased by her siblings, John (Eleanor) and Ellwood (Anne) and her first great-granddaughter Mackenzie Robinson.
Muriel earned a Manitoba Teachers Certificate on June 25, 1943 and following a few years of teaching in rural Manitoba, went on to achieve a Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba on May 16, 1947. Muriel and Ashley married on June 14, 1947 in Virden, Manitoba and set off for Manchester, England where Ashley pursued his medical training and Muriel worked in her field, biochemistry, until their first child was born. On returning to Canada in July 1951, Muriel continued to raise her family with six more children following. Muriel was totally devoted to her family and took immense pride in her home and gardens. The family cottage was her favourite place and she spent many happy times there. She and Ashley loved the outdoors and introduced their children to Canada's splendour on numerous camping trips. Muriel and Ashley also travelled the world and Muriel extended her love of children to include many foreign foster children, whose lives and milestones she followed closely. As a child of the Depression, Muriel never had too little to share with others.
Muriel made many friends through her 50 year involvement in the University Women's Club of Winnipeg and appreciated the opportunities it provided for camaraderie, learning and the championing of women's equal place in society. She was also a long-time member of The Manitoba Women's Advisory Council on the Status of Women. She developed a passion for genealogy and co-authored a book following her own family lineage. Left to celebrate her life are her devoted husband, Ashley, children, Lynne (Roz), Alison (Tony), Janice (John), Ian (Sarah), Scott (Kim), Gwen (Jerry), and Merrill along with their families, including seventeen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Muriel will also be missed by her large extended family and many special friends.
Cremation has taken place.A private family celebration of Muriel's life will be held at a later date. Donations in Muriel's memory to the Scholarship Trust Fund of the University Women's Club of Winnipeg would be welcomed to honour her lifelong love and support of learning. The family would like to thank the staff of Poseidon Care Centre and Deborah for helping Muriel through the last three difficult years. Weep not for me, I'm free from pain, My earthly sufferings are o'er, I hope to meet you all again, On a peaceful happy shore. Wife, Mother, Beautiful Lady