Muriel Robidoux Horansky

Muriel Horansky fell asleep and woke to her heavenly reward Saturday, July 15th at the age of 96. Born in Charlton, MA on June 1st, 1927 as the middle child of Anna and Arthur Robidoux, Muriel grew up on a farm with eight siblings. Her large family set her on a remarkable path of sharing and including others.

The meaning of family grew and grew through the love Muriel shared with her own and others. She welcomed leagues of relatives, neighbors and friends into her many homes throughout her lifetime. All were embraced equally and served selflessly, especially the youngsters. Muriel LOVED babies - her own and everyone else’s. She could often be seen cooing at little faces and eliciting smiles in public places and check-out lines.

Muriel approached her job as stay at home mom seriously and completely. While serving a full meal each night to her family - one meat, two vegetables, and always dessert - Muriel dedicated time as a Cub Scout den mother, church, school and library volunteer, competitive tennis player and handiwork expert.

A devoted circle of friends called the “Sewing Circle” met for many years, knitting, quilting and creating handiwork for school fund-raisers and each other – but mostly laughing and enjoying each others company. A Bunco circle evolved later offering an outlet for Muriel’s competitive nature and where she often captured the pot.

She is reunited in eternity with the love of her life and husband of 65 years, Paul Horansky. Muriel and Paul retired to the New Hampshire mountains in 1985 to enjoy snowy winters and re-acquaintance with their New England families until returning to Richmond’s milder climate in 2000. Muriel and Paul made many cross country trips to greet and celebrate children and grandchildren and extended families. Grammy & Grampa never missed a baptism or First Communion celebration.

Travels also included cruises and land tours from the farthest reaches of America and Canada to Bermuda and Europe. Always up for a little adventure, Muriel’s curiosity and easy-going demeanor made her an amiable and steadfast companion.

Muriel and Paul’s expression of love for each other multiplied into love for their seven children, 24 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. In the spirit of Muriel’s frequent saying, “the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away,” by November this year, the Horansky family will bear two more great grandchildren to enrich her heavenly repose. Her legacy of love is a precious gift and her giving heart will be missed by everyone she touched.

Survivors include brother David Robidoux, Boise, ID; children Mary Szymczak(Bill) Grafton, MA; Jane Graham, Centennial, CO; Mike Horansky(Patty) Roper, NC; Ellen Gaberdiel(Max) Moneta, VA; Carol Duda(Jim) Herndon, VA; Laura Horansky(David Plotkin) San Antonio, TX and John Horansky(Cindy) Midlothian, VA; many descendents and friends.

A Mass of Christian burial is scheduled at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 2700 Dolfield Dr., North Chesterfield, VA 23235 at 1PM on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023. The family will receive friends following Mass. Burial to follow at Mr. Calvary Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Muriel’s name to Bon Secours Community Hospice House 1133 Old Bon Air Rd. North Chesterfield, VA 23235. Special thanks to Sarone and Renee for their compassionate care in Muriel’s last days.