Muriel was born in Saanich and grew up in the home her father built on Quadra street where she often accompanied her dad, Jim Pendray, to hunt pheasant near her grandparents farm in the Swan Lake area. It is likely Muriel's love of gardening came from her father.
Our mother married the love of her life, a Victoria firefighter, Robert James Smirl (Bob). Together they raised five children, Bob,(Lyn), Judy,(Ken), Adele,(Poul), David (Joan) and Arlene (Ron). Our dad passed away in 1972, at age fifty-seven.
Muriel was a member of the Christian Science Church where, a few years later, she met and married Jack Rennie. Mom and Jack tied the knot in England, then set out to tour many of the sites where Jack had fought during World War II. Mom and Jack travelled extensively. Maui was a favourite spot for the Christmas season and they would set out on many a cruise in the spring.
Muriel was a generous, loving grandmother of twelve and a great grandmother of eighteen. She lived a long and happy life and was loved by all.