Obituary

In her 97th year, left our care for the arms of her Lord and her beloved James (2011) on February 16, 2025. While her passing is deeply felt by all who love her, it brings her a wonderful release. She is survived by her children, Phil Boyd (Marian) of Guelph and Jane Ann House (Allan) of St. Thomas, ON. She leaves behind her adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jeff House (Diana) of St. Thomas, ON, and their son Austin; Janna House (Fadi Philip) of London, ON, and their very soon-to-be-born little one; Ainsley Boyd (David VanDrunen) of Selwyn, ON; and Mike Boyd (Clorinde Peters) of Halifax, NS, and their sons, Mischa and Shiloh. Muriel and Jim also found a special adopted family in Amer and Reema Obeidi and their children, Yazan, Basil, and Yara. The Obeidi family were newcomers to Canada they moved in next door, and from that first connection, a lasting and cherished relationship grew as they became extended family, sharing life’s joys and milestones together. Muriel was born to George and Isabelle Rawn in what was then Egremont Township, Grey County, just east of Mount Forest, ON, on November 28, 1928. She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Ira (1947) and Russell Rawn (2002), both of Mount Forest, and her sister Edwina Waxman of Toronto (2016), along with their spouses. She was also predeceased by two nephews, Jacob Waxman (2013) and Bruce Rawn (2023). Muriel is survived by her seven much-loved nieces and nephews and their families. Muriel left the farm in her mid-teens with her best friend, Velma, to attend a business machine operators’ school in Toronto, where she lived with her Aunt Mabel. She used those skills at the Dominion Store in Kitchener-Waterloo, then at the Matthews-Wells Pickle Factory in Guelph during the cucumber harvest for many years. She later retired after 25 years at Gay Lea Dairy in Guelph.  She met Jim (Jimbo) at York Road Baptist Church in Guelph, and they were married there on August 28, 1954. Together, they served at York Road, and later Crestwicke Baptist Church, for decades and in countless ways. Muriel was a gifted hostess and an exceptional cook, and alongside Jim, she ensured that family, longtime friends, neighbours, and new acquaintances always felt welcome in their home on Kensington Street. More often than not, those new acquaintances became lifelong friends. Summers at Muskoka Baptist Conference were a highlight for Muriel and Jim, filled with treasured time spent with their trailer park neighbors and grandchildren. What often went unnoticed was Muriel’s deep compassion for young women who needed a listening ear and loving moral support through difficult life experiences. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the caring and capable caregivers at Riverside Glen Retirement Village, particularly those in the Emma neighborhood, where Mom felt truly loved and cared for, even through the depths of dementia. Special thanks to Mom’s dear friend, Mary Carter, who faithfully travelled from Rockwood for weekly visits over many years. We are also grateful for the kindness of Audrey O’Krafka (née Pronk), who continued visiting Mom even after her own mother’s passing, and to Johanna Truchan, who brought cheer to Mom’s days. We will celebrate Muriel’s life and the impact she had on so many in the spring (date to be determined). Arrangements entrusted to the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guelph Hope House. A tree will be planted in memory of Muriel G. Boyd in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.