Obituary of Muriel Walker
Muriel Walker (nee Howard), peacefully after a brief stay at Kingston General Hospital. She was predeceased in 2009 by her husband of 62 years, Donald V. Walker, and by sons Alan (2017) and David (2015). Survived by her youngest son Peter (Carol Kostashuk), daughter-in-law Sharon Walker (David), granddaughter Allison Hartley (Lee), and great-grandchildren Paige, Melissa, Benjamin, and Jake Hartley.
Muriel was born and raised in Deseronto, Ontario, A striking young woman; she was always dedicated to taking care of others. She moved in with her grandparents at 13 years of age to help look after the household when her grandmother suffered a debilitating stroke. She and Don were married in 1947, moving the marriage date forward to move to Kingston and care for Don’s aunt who was terminal with cancer. Muriel cared for Don’s 6-year-old cousin Jack through his mother’s illness.
Muriel and Donald had three sons of their own. They both dedicated their lives, first and foremost, to their “three boys.” They never missed a hockey game nor any other activity in which their sons were involved. Muriel was always very active in her community while the boys were growing up; volunteering with the “Home and School Association,” with the cubs and scouts, and with the UCW at St. Andrew’s-by-the-Lake United Church in Reddendale. She generously worked to enrich her local neighborhood.
Never one to leave a job undone or a need unfilled, Muriel eagerly jumped in to assist her sons as they started their careers. When two of her sons began construction businesses, Mom became the bookkeeper. She was always available to help in any way requested. Typical tasks tackled included carrying building materials by hand over a rugged footpath to a remote site on a back lake, or going in after dinner to unload a tractor-trailer load of patio doors. When her eldest son Alan suffered a traumatic brain injury, she devoted herself to caring for him for the last 21 years of his life.
Muriel made life-long friends with her dedication and loyalty. She approached life in a pragmatic, honest, and caring fashion. Her influence will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
A family celebration of Muriel’s life will take place when Covid-19 permits. In Muriel’s memory, she would appreciate donations to St. Andrew’s by the Lake United Church, 1 Redden St., Kingston, ON K7M 4K7, or to the charity of your choice.
