Muriel Clare Axell

It is with great sadness that Muriel’s family announce her passing at 84 years of age on Tuesday 24th May 2022 in the Halifax Infirmary, QE11 Hospital. She was born and lived at Cornwallis Farms, Port Williams. She was the daughter of the late Robert F Newcombe and Jennie Newcombe (Cogswell). She is survived by husband James (Jim), children Richard, Catherine (William) and Geoffrey (Diane) and grandchildren Brandon, Taylor, Jenna and Zoe plus many nieces and nephews along with relations in England, New Zealand, Australia and the USA. She was predeceased by her siblings Isabelle (Ken), Robert H (Alice) and Donald (Marion). Muriel was educated at Port Williams School, Kings County Academy, Kentville and Acadia University where she successfully completed a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Chemistry. In her 3 years at the Acadia she represented the University at 3 sports, Field Hockey, Volleyball and Basketball. In 2002 the 1959 Ladies Field Hockey team were elected to the Acadia Sports Hall of Fame. Muriel was very proud of being part of this team. In 2006 Acadia honoured “Acadia Women in Sport” and Muriel was one of the “Volleyball Honorees” which she was also very proud of. She was elected Life Vice-President of the 1959 graduating class by her fellow students. Muriel travelled to England in 1961 and stayed with a number of other Valley girls. She first met Jim in January 1962 when she and 2 other Valley girls went on an “Imperial College Ski Trip” to Austria. Jim was on the trip as he was a postgraduate scholar at the College. Muriel on returning to Canada in 1962 accepted a position as research assistant with Doctor Ross Langley and she worked with him until her first child arrived. Muriel and Jim met again in 1965 when Jim arrived in Canada from New Zealand and Australia, where he had been visiting and working since July 1962. Romance blossomed quickly and they married in April 1966. They started their family with Richard in 1969, Catherine in 1971 and Geoffrey in 1974. The children attended Westmount School from Primary to Grade 9 and Muriel volunteered at the school whenever needed during this time. Once the children were older Muriel returned to the workforce as manager of the coffee shop in 1801 Barrington Street. She retired in 1994 after 9 years with the coffee shop group. Muriel with Jim attended United Churches in Halifax, St. John’s, Bethany and St Andrews. At these churches she volunteered at a number of projects. She was a supporter of Girl Guides of Canada through her youth and later as a leader. In retirement Muriel served meals with the Halifax Meals on Wheels organisation for some 20 years. She volunteered as a driver for the VON for many years. Muriel and Jim enjoyed travelling and visited Jim’s family in England and New Zealand, adding trips to other countries whenever possible. They enjoyed Elderhostel trips and Rotary Friendship Exchanges. They were pleased to welcome visitors to Halifax. They hosted many visiting Rotarians and Muriel was always pleased to learn about their countries and was pleased to entertain them. As a winter pastime Muriel followed her mother’s interest and quilted. She produced numerous baby quilts for family and friends. The family thank the hospital staff who so kindly cared for Muriel. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be at the J A Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax B3S 0E1 at 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday 9th June 2022. A celebration of Muriel’s life will be held at St. Andrews United Church, 6036 Coburg Road Halifax. B3H 1Y9 at 2 p.m. Friday 10th June, with a reception to follow. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to St. Andrews United Church Benevolent Fund, 6036 Coburg Road, Halifax, B3H 1Y9, the VON or a charity of your choice.