Muriel Alice Knapp

She had the good fortune to marry her hometown sweetheart, Harold (Sonny) Knapp and they enjoyed 62 devoted years together. They started their married life in East Angus, Quebec where they raised their children on a small hobby farm. Through lots of hard work and ingenuity, they lived an organic lifestyle long before it was the “in” thing to do! Muriel loved a challenge in the kitchen and she prided herself on making her own bread, churning butter, and filling the largest freezer known to mankind with vegetables from her garden, berries picked during family outings, and a delicatessen-worthy assortment of meats.

In addition to being an outstanding homemaker, Muriel was passionate about gardening and eager to share her knowledge with anyone that showed an interest in her beloved plants and flowers. It was a pleasure to watch classic movies with her because she knew the names and “buzz” on every movie star. She had the “gift of the gab” and an abundance of colourful expressions that regularly caught people off guard and made them laugh out loud.

In 1973, Muriel and Sonny uprooted the family and moved to Ontario. During her years in Ontario, she was known as “Grandma Knapp” to the many children she lovingly provided daycare for in her home.

In 1991, they moved to paradise (aka Qualicum Beach) where they enjoyed their retirement years. Regardless of where they lived, Muriel loved people to pop in for a visit and stay long enough to catch up on each other’s news and enjoy something to eat. Muriel loved Christmas and she always made a point to have a little something under the tree so that every person who entered her home received a gift.

Muriel was a long-standing member of the Ladies Auxiliary in both Quebec and BC and over the years she held a number of executive positions. Assisting with fundraising initiatives, making phone calls, writing get well cards, and baking her famous “You-Can’t-Eat-Just-One” cookies were just some of her many contributions, which she always performed with care.

Sonny and his children would like to thank Dr. Penny Bartlett and her office staff; Dr. Pawel Juralowicz; Oceanside Health Centre’s support workers, home care nurses and schedulers; and the staff of the Arrowsmith Lodge Day Program for the exemplary care and support they provided to Muriel over the past few years. A credit to your chosen professions, there are no words to express our gratitude to each and every one of you for consistently honouring Muriel’s right to dignity, safety, and quality of life. A heartfelt thank you to Rebecca Jewell for her endless support and friendship and to Rev. Susan Hayward-Brown and Flo Milburn of St. Mark's Anglican Church for providing spiritual comfort and reassurance.

A celebration of her life is being planned by her family and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the following cause are welcome: Poppy Fund in Memory of Muriel Knapp Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 76 180 Veterans Ways Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1L8