Muriel Lewicki

Muriel Hickson was born into the “Greatest Generation ” by way of the St. Joseph’s Hospital, in
Port Arthur Ontario, on March 11, 1925. She witnessed in some small way the gayety of the
roaring twenties, the desperation of the depression years and the sacrifices of World War Two.
She understood the cold war and saw the first man land on the moon. She owned a
phonograph by Edison, a television by Marconi and finally an iPhone from Apple.

During the depression years, the Hickson family moved to Hardrock townsite, near Geraldton,
Ontario, one of the many new mining towns that were springing up as prospectors explored the
most northern reaches of the province. Muriel, Fran and Ruthie grew up here, their home
beside the lake. They were educated at St. Josephs school in Geraldton and became members
of the new Catholic Church community being established there in 1934.

During her teenage years in Geraldton, she met her future husband William Lewicki, a boxer, a
miner, a soldier, a taxi shop owner, a parts man, a fire fighter and eventually a park foreman.
Muriel for her part, graduated school and was moved to North Bay to enrol in a Catholic run
secretarial college. Upon completion she became one of three employees to start the new
branch of the Dominion bank in Geraldton. Bill and Muriel married on August 11, 1944. Friends
graciously donated their “ration cards” so that the marriage celebration could take place.

Sandy was born in April of 1952. Gary arrived 4 years later in August of 1956. As a new
working mother, Muriel chose a different career path and took on a job as a secretary in the new
local newspaper, the Times Star. This job turned into Muriel’s career. Flexible hours gave her
the time to raise her children and also to remain fully employed. Muriel eventually retired from
the Times Star in 1986 after more than 30 years of service. During these years, Muriel also
found time to become involved in the school board of St. Joseph's school while her children
were in attendance there. Further to this, Muriel also made a strong commitment to the
Women’s Hospital Auxiliary organization of the Geraldton Hospital. She fulfilled many board
positions for the Auxiliary while providing many hours of hands on help over the next 30 years.

Muriel loved to bowl, dance and play golf. She also enjoyed the occasional party and was
known for her yearly “Boxing Night” celebration. As the years passed, Muriel became a
voracious reader and a lover of after dinner drives to “the park” or “Second Bridge”. However,
Muriel’s most absolute love was for her children. As the financial head of a household with
limited means, Muriel would always put her children’s needs over those of her own. This was
her defining characteristic and one that lasted her lifetime. Mom’s generosity of selflessness will
absolutely never be forgotten and will always be cherished. Muriel was a giver in so many ways.

Time has a way to slowly slip by in Geraldton. A granddaughter, Kharli Friske was born into the
family on November of 1976. Sandy and Ken purchased a mobile travel trailer and Muriel
received a great amount of joy from spending many hours visiting with them at McLeod Park.
Muriel and Bill sold their home in 1992 and moved to Brampton to be closer to their son, Gary.
Riley Lewicki, their granddaughter was born in August of 1994 and became their focus for the
many years they spent at their St. Mary’s residence home.

Bill died in 2001. Muriel took up a new independent lifestyle, driving her red “Mini Cooper” to
remain in contact with her family and friends. She was forced to give up driving in her 93th year
as the early stages of dementia began to take its toll. She moved into Burton Manor in 2016
and lived a quiet life, walking the halls and watching golf on her television. Muriel died at the
age of 98. She was loved by her family until the very end. She will truly be missed.

Family and friends will be received at Ward Funeral Home "Brampton Chapel" from 1:00pm-2:00pm on Monday, March 27th, 2023 with a Funeral Service to be held at 2:00pm. Cremation will follow.