Muriel Cooper

November 26, 1924 to June 13, 2014

It is with profound sorrow and loss we announce the passing of our mother, Muriel Cooper, on June 13, 2014 in Kamloops, B.C.

Muriel was born to Mary Ellen and Henry in Mattersey, Yorkshire, England, the youngest of seven children. She served with the British Royal Air Force during World War II, which is where she met Norman. They married in England on July 27, 1946 and ran a small pet food business until they decided to immigrate to Canada. First settling in Vancouver, B.C., the family moved to Cawston in 1969. Muriel became the secretary at Similkameen Secondary School that same year. Known as “Mrs. C” to twenty one years of students, she truly enjoyed her years working there until her retirement in 1990. She never missed a graduation ceremony and always took a great interest in all the accomplishments of the students and staff she met over the years. She was thrilled to be an honorary member of the 1990 “Sim Hi” graduating class and kept her grad jacket and t-shirt proudly all these years.

Muriel was a wonderful cook who made it look easy (who can forget her trifle, Yorkshire puddings, baking powder biscuits or her chicken pot pies to name only a very few) and loved nothing more than feeding a large group. No one ever left her table hungry. She was an avid gardener with a green thumb who created beautiful gardens at home, first in Cawston and later in Olalla.

Muriel was a founding member of the Similkameen Hand Bell Ringers in 1977 and enjoyed these friends and playing the hand bells with them until she moved in 2009. Muriel was also a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star and made many lifelong, dear friends throughout her time with Star. She was Worthy Grand Matron of B.C. and the Yukon in 1995/96 and she loved the opportunity to travel through British Columbia, meeting new people and seeing more of the province. Muriel was awarded her OES lifetime membership in 2006. She was a tireless supporter of all the good work the Star does in their communities and among other activities spent many an hour doing cancer dressings in support of their main charity.

Muriel loved spending time with family and friends and was always up for a new experience. Camping trips with students, trips to Vancouver for the opera, cruising to Alaska, riding Space Mountain in Disney Land –she would try most anything! She also loved her annual summer car camping trips with daughter, Diane. They had many adventures and travelled from Dawson City to San Diego and into many western states. Muriel would also travel back to England from time to time to catch up with her extended family. "Auntie Billie" as she was known to her British family was always warmly received.

Muriel was a very loving mother who always supported her two daughters, Yvonne and Diane, in all their endeavours and aspirations. She was always there with a hug, a laugh, encouragement and support, care packages while they were in university and anything her girls needed. We knew with unshakeable certainty that we were loved, supported and cherished.

Muriel was predeceased by husband, Norman, December 8, 2005. She was also predeceased by all her brothers, sisters, Norman's sister and brother, as well as some very dear friends.

Muriel is survived by her daughters Yvonne and Diane (Tom), many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews as well as the son of her heart, Mark, and many, many friends.

Muriel left the Similkameen Valley after 40 years and moved to Kamloops in 2009 to be closer to family. She was not able to do everything she wanted to in her last years but she was always busy. She continued in her sparkling way to have fun and attract new friends. The family would like to thank the staff and residents of The Shores in Kamloops as well as the ladies of High Country Health Care for their care and support that was often beyond the call of duty. We would also like to thank Dr. Mahmood for his care and support.

A Celebration of Life for Muriel will be held in Keremeos in the fall (date to be announced). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any Cancer charity or the charity of your choice.