It is with heavy hearts that the family of Muriel Grace Macdonald announces her passing on September 21, 2026, with family by her side. Born August 11, 1929, Muriel grew up in the Township of Finmark, where her family ran a small general store. Later, the family moved to Fort William, and she graduated from Fort William Collegiate High School. She went on to work at Chapple’s Department Store in the accounting department. She was a big fan of the roller rink and local dance hall, and it was there that she met, and later married, Alister Macdonald in 1956. The two of them built a home on Chestnut Street, lived there for over 50 years and raised four children, Alan, Kathy, Jackie and Peter. They celebrated 56 years of marriage together.
Muriel enjoyed life and all it had to offer. One of Muriel’s greatest joys was being surrounded by her family. When the kids were small, she had the loudest voice in the crowd, cheering them on, whether it was for tap dancing recitals, track and field meets, hockey games or skiing. Although Muriel was an avid piano player, she found herself raising a gaggle of bagpipers, much to her husband Alister’s delight. (This was the only time she wasn’t screaming for joy.) There were countless apologies to the neighbours as the kids practiced their bagpipe tunes in the backyard. Eventually, they mastered their instruments, and performed for many people over the years.
In the summer, Muriel loved to garden and to take care of her flowers and shrubs. Her yard was always impeccable. Muriel and Alister loved to go camping, Sibley and Blue Lake being two of their favourite destinations. This was home away from home for them. Later years were spent travelling North America in the fifth wheel. The fall season brought about holiday baking and preparing for craft shows. Her imagination, talent and demand for perfection made her crafts highly sought after as each season rolled around. The winter months were spent on the slopes skiing. She taught all four kids how to ski and cherished many happy memories of the family times on the hills. As long as the sun was shining, she never missed the opportunity to get in some runs, even on the coldest of days. Her expertise on the slopes made her recognizable from afar; her gracefulness always stood out.
Muriel had an amiable personality which made it easy to make lifelong friends along the way. She had an ‘Angela Lansbury curiosity’ and adventurous nature. Always busy, she never wasted a day. Muriel had a natural talent for playing cards, and one of her favourite pastimes was the game of bridge. She had a competitive nature, and her “game face” was always fun to watch. She was also an active member at Fort William Curling Club and played well into her senior years.
Muriel was a loyal member of First Presbyterian Church on Grey St. for over 60 years. Her involvement with the mission group was very rewarding. Her willingness to help others spanned a lifetime. Whether it was hospital visiting, working in the kitchen for church functions, or knitting sweaters, mitts and scarves for those in need, she answered the call to service, and her dedication was quietly profound.
Muriel was a great sport and was often the subject of pranks and jokes from the family. She always took it in stride. As a result, she became very popular on Facebook and touched the lives of 100’s of people. Those times gave the family a lifetime of great memories. There are certain people who just make life better. Muriel was a fun person to be around and made every day seem a little less ordinary. Every moment together was one worth remembering. Her talents and contributions exceed her years. For us left behind, Muriel is not really gone. She remains in our hearts, she just has a new address. No doubt she is in the loving arms of family, and they were prepared to receive her. We hope that, one day, we too will be received by them, and look forward to that family hug that we miss so dearly.
Muriel is survived by her children, Kathy and Jeano Poos, Jackie Macdonald, and Peter and Carol Macdonald. We know she will be deeply missed by friends in Thunder Bay, and relatives locally, in California and overseas. She is predeceased by her husband, Alister, son, Alan, sister, Dorothy and John Moslenko, and parents, Peter and Bertha Berglund.
Muriel’s family would like to thank her family physicians Dr. B. Hartford and Dr. M. Valente, and her cardiologist Dr. Javan for their personalized care that they provided over the years, which contributed to her long and healthy life. As well, the family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Chartwell Glacier Ridge and Southbridge Pinewood for the care, compassion and kindness that they showed to our mother during her final years. Your dedication and gentle support brought her comfort and dignity, and gave our family piece of mind in her final days.
Cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to The Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay, or your favourite charity.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
