Muriel Forgeron

It is with sadness from loss and gratitude for a life well lived that the family of Muriel (O ’Hearn) Forgeron announce that on December 29, 2020, in her 89th year, she has embarked on a passing from this life to the next.

Mom was born in Arichat in February of 1932, raised to be independent, and with her faith, considered service to family and community to be guiding principles. From the age of 16 she taught school, at first in a one room schoolhouse with all subjects to all ages. Her desire to learn and see the world led her to university (St Marys’), teacher’s college (Normal School) and then to teaching in Goose Bay, where she first met Ted, the love of her life.

After teaching in Labrador, Muriel accepted a term position in Germany. During this time, she traveled throughout Europe seeing Holland, Italy, Switzerland, Egypt, Syria Rome and Jerusalem; visiting remarkable places and making friends that she kept throughout her entire life. After Europe she returned home Canada, married Ted, and began her new life in a new community. Muriel and Ted shared Cape Breton roots and both treasured the beauty of family life in a fishing community, so Main-A-Dieu was a natural place to make their home. They would be married for 47 years.

However, moving here had some logistical issues that had to be overcome. Such as deciding she needed to learn to swim at age 40 and drive at 45. Children, of course, needed driving to practice and taking to the beach. Fortunately, Muriel loved both music and sports, passions she kept all throughout her life and shared with her sons. There were 2 cancer treatments 40 years apart, and in her retirement the yearning to travel called once again. This time she chose to travel with friends to Scotland, Ireland, and the Caribbean, listening to music all along the way

Muriel was more at home in Main-A-Dieu than any other place on earth. She taught elementary school for 42 years and first communion classes for even longer. Generations of families went through her classroom, and ticket sales for community events were a constant source of activity in the Forgeron house. Bake Sales were run with friends from the Catholic Women’s League, and seemingly endless change was counted at her kitchen table. Most of all Muriel enjoyed the company and laughter that these events brought.

Muriel is survived by her sons Ian (Michelle Morrison) and Michael (Kimberly Campbell). Her granddaughter Hannah was a source of great pride and joy, having an independent spirit Muriel saw as her own. She frequently noted an amazement at how fast time goes from bassinette to university, and how happy she was to see her granddaughter grow up.

Having her journey to the next life preceded by her husband Ted, parents Peter and Marguerite (Forrest) O’Hearn, and three siblings (Ursula, DP, and Bernie), Muriel kept her sisters Audie, Mel and brother Roy close. They shared stories of growing up in Pondville, relished their time when they got to visit together, and kept the bond by phone when this could not be arranged in person.

Her nieces Nicole and Michelle, and their brother Peter were ever present in her house, and the tradition continued with their children. They will miss their Aunt Muriel as much as she enjoyed seeing them.

In her last year, her summer return home to Main-a-Dieu was interrupted as travel was difficult. Undaunted, she chose to meet new people, make new friends, take road trips exploring a new island (PEI), continue to watch Jeopardy, and enjoy what God’s graces had bestowed. Her faith as ever, sustained her.

We would like to thank everyone who made Mom’s life so special. She loved the community in Main-A-Dieu, having family come visit, lunch at the cafe, bingo with the Seniors, Church every day, and the exceptional friends who drove her everywhere and were always there for her. Her life was full because of the people in it.

A funeral will be on Thursday, Jan 7th at Immaculate Conception Church in Main-A-Dieu, 1PM with interment following in the parish cemetery. We know it is not possible for everyone to be at the church right now, and we appreciate the thoughts and prayers that are coming to us daily. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com. In lieu of flowers any and all support to local charities will be welcomed.