Muriel Bailey

Muriel Bailey

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful death of our beloved mother and grandmother on April 15th, 2018 in Gimli, Manitoba.

Muriel Bailey (nee Clayton) was predeceased by her husband Allan Douglas Bailey (1977), her sister Elsie, her grandson Jay and her son-in-law Ian Elkin. She leaves behind to cherish her memory and indomitable spirit her sons Clayton and Ross (Cheryl), daughters Norma, Ruth (Robert) and Patricia, and her beloved grandsons Neil (Kym), Craig (Zoe), Ben (Leigh), Will (Taryn), Erik and Luke, as well as her dear friends Debbie and Victor Thordarson and their family. 

Muriel was born and raised in Fort William, Ontario and met Allan there when they both worked for Canada Car and Foundry during the war. They spent their early married life in Allan’s home community of Marquette, Manitoba, where four of their children were born. They moved to Gimli in 1955. They both loved to laugh, tell stories and visit; their home was always open to everyone. For many years, they went dancing every Saturday night.

When her husband died suddenly, Muriel became a single mother to their youngest daughter, Patricia, who was then eight years old.

Muriel was a fun-loving, generous and social person with a sharp wit and enormous vitality. Independent, curious and open to the world, she was a traveler who read widely and liked to discuss politics and sports, especially the success of the Toronto Blue Jays. She loved her job at Taylor Pharmacy where she established many close friendships with colleagues and customers.  Curling and all its conviviality was particularly close to her heart and her love of the game gave her the chance to travel with her friends around Manitoba and the world. Muriel also played bridge weekly and she was a long standing member of the Kinettes and the Lutheran Church Women’s group. In recognition of her many volunteer activities, in 1998, she was the first recipient of the Carolyn Stefanson Citizenship Award. More than anything she loved being with her family, and until she was 90 years old, her home was its centre.

Our mother was dearly loved and will be fondly remembered by many. Her six grandsons will be her honourary pallbearers. We wish to thank the staff of Betel Home for their kindness and tender care of our mother.
A service honouring our mother’s life will be held on May 5th at 2:00 p.m. at the Gimli Lutheran Church. A coffee reception will follow at Johnson Hall, at the Gimli Waterfront Centre.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Muriel’s memory to Westshore Community Foundation, www.westshorefoundation.com, or Box 395, Gimli, Manitoba, ROC 1B0.

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