Muriel Jean Tisdel grew up in Pennsylvania as one of four daughters (Isabel, Winifred and Marjorie) of Frank and Mabel McCairns. She met her husband James at a University of Pennsylvania party when he stepped on her foot while dancing with someone else. After he graduated from medical school and she received her RN degree, Muriel and Jim headed to Harper Hospital in Detroit and the world of babies, he as an obstetrician and she as a nurse in the newborn nursery. Muriel had the innate ability to soothe any infant, a talent many of her children gratefully observed with their own children. Home in Port Huron, where the scent of Murphy’s Oil Soap mixed with that of gardenias, became her realm. She was legendary in her ability to catch a dropped, sandy, wet towel mid-air or take a glass just as someone finished the last sip. She was especially adept at removing grass stains inflicted by the football field. She was an avid sports fan who would plan her day around football, baseball and basketball games. Muriel loved nothing more than cooking for family and friends, gathering everyone at a ladened table and encouraging all to have seconds. She loved regaling anyone who would listen with often embellished stories of her family’s accomplishments. She was a colorful, stylish woman who was the center of family life. Later in life, Muriel never hesitated to drive Jim across country, frequently making trips from AZ to MI, MN and OH to visit her growing family. She was preceded in death by her husband James and is survived by her five children: Rebecca (Philip Rapport); James (Sara); John (Debbie); Mark (Susan); and Christopher (Debbie). She will be sorely missed by her many adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom was sure they were her favorite.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 23 at noon, preceded by visitation from 10am-12pm in Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307. Burial will be at a later date in Lakeside Cemetery, Port Huron, MI.
