Muriel Elizabeth Parker (nee Pritchard)

Muriel Elizabeth Parker (nee Pritchard) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the age of 94 years, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, deep family roots and a legacy of love and simplicity.

Muriel was born on October 29, 1931 in Whitewood, SK. She was the youngest of seven children born to Ernest and Beatrice Pritchard. She grew up in the McKay District alongside her siblings: Phyllis, Gertie, Alf, Thersa, Tom and Leonard. She often spoke fondly of her childhood and the adventures shared with her siblings. One of her favourite memories was the little playhouse in the bush, furnished with broken cups and saucers, tin cans and their most treasured possession – a glass lamp that remained perfectly intact.

Being a child of the depression, Muriel experienced the “fresh” cod that was delivered in burlap sacks by train. No matter how long they were boiled for, they tasted like oily shoe leather. In addition to the “luxurious” cod meals, she also “enjoyed” pig lard sandwiches and dandelion sandwiches and salads.

After one year in “normal” school, Muriel took a teaching position at Spring Lake, a country school south of Broadview, where she met Tom. After two years, she resigned and took a position in Carlyle, but her heart was set on Tom, so she returned to the Spring Lake District.

On August 12, 1954, Muriel married Tom. Together they took over the Parker family farm south of Broadview, where they built a life rooted in hard work, family and community. There, they raised six children: Garry, Dale, Heather, Irene, Bert and Howard.

Life on the farm was busy. Muriel worked tirelessly to care for her family, always making sure everyone was fed and welcomed. She kept a huge vegetable garden, spent countless hours canning and baking and took pride in providing for her family. The farm was home to chickens, pigs, cows, a horse or two, along with many dogs and cats that were always part of the country life. Together Muriel and Tom raised their children through years without power or running water, teaching them resilience and hard work.

There was always a teapot and cookies waiting on the table. The farm was a favourite place for cousins visiting from the city, who looked forward to spending the holidays exploring outdoors. Sunday suppers at the farm became a treasured family tradition, filled with laughter, stories and home-cooked meals – and of course, no meal was complete without a big slab of butter.

Muriel lived a beautiful and simple life. The farm was filled with the warmth of sunsets and sunrises, gardens overflowing with flowers, hummingbirds buzzing at the feeders and the comfort of neighbours and friends who regularly stopped for coffee. She enjoyed going for evening drives and visiting Poplar Grove United Church whenever she had time. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her endless joy as they chased the cats and dogs through the yard, picked raspberries and wildflowers, sailed homemade boats through the culvert, played countless hours of rummy, watched beavers build their dams and calves being born, went on tractor rides with the Uncles and rang the supper bell. There was even “the tree that grew inside the tree”- one of the many simple wonders that made life on the farm special for her.

Outside of farm life, Muriel was a member of the Agricultural Society, served on the Co-op Board and was part of the Poplar Grove Ladies Aid, where they raised funds for the church. In 1988 she took a reflexology course and practiced that for a few years.

Muriel also enjoyed travelling with her sisters and friends. Among her favourite adventures were trips to Las Vegas, the Yukon and the Maritimes – journeys filled with laughter, stories and memories she treasured.

She was especially proud that she maintained a valid driver’s license and was able to live on the farm until the age of 94. She always knew she wasn’t meant to live in Town!

Muriel was predeceased by her parents; husband Tom; sons Dale and Howard; sons-in-law Wayne Berlin and Colin Rieger; great-grandson Declan Schlamp; all of her siblings and their spouses; and her in-laws and their spouses, except for two.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Garry Parker, Heather Berlin, Irene Rieger and Bert Parker; grandchildren: Carmen (Bryan), Heidi (Evan), Nicole (Paul), Reagan and Jodi (Jory); great-grandchildren: Kohen and Dallen Schlamp, Brooks and Kacie Lang, Maximus and Fox Toland; bonus great-grandchildren: Ayress, Ethan and Brody Moorhead; brother-in-law Gordon Parker; sister-in-law Kathy Parker; numerous nephews, nieces, extended family, dear friends and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

When the golden sun is setting,

And your heart from care set free;

When of others you are thinking,

Will you sometimes think of me?

The family of Muriel would like to extend their thanks to the Broadview Hospital and Broadview Centennial Lodge for their care and kindness they showed to Muriel in her final days.

A private service for immediate family will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada, 919B Albert St., Regina, SK S4R 2P6 or www.diabetes.ca; or the Broadview Public Library Fund, (please make cheque payable to the Town of Broadview, with memo noting donation is for the Broadview Library Fund), 609 Main St., Broadview, SK S0G 0K0 or the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre St., Regina, SK S4P 2R3.