Muriel Richards

Muriel Adeline Richards

November 11, 1932 – March 19, 2021

Richards, Muriel Adeline, age 88, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2021 at Baycrest Centre in Toronto, Ontario. She was born on November 11, 1932 to Lancelot and Alma (nee Casler) Ede in Victoria, British Columbia. As the child of Salvation Army officer (minister) parents, she moved frequently growing up, with stops in Saskatoon, Galt, Regina, Montreal, Saint John, and Toronto. Muriel married Frederick Richards in 1952, and they had three children Martin, Melody (deceased 1971), and Lori. Muriel and Fred lived together in Etobicoke until Fred’s passing in 2002. In 2004 Muriel married J. Paul Green, and after living in Ottawa for a few years they returned to Etobicoke.

Family was extremely important to Muriel, and she loved hosting her family, and often guests, for her delicious roast beef dinners following church most Sundays. Holiday gatherings brought out the best in Muriel’s culinary skills (her specialties are still commented on fondly by her friends and extended family) and true hospitality. She was a gracious hostess who made everyone feel welcome and loved unconditionally.

She was a loving wife, dedicated mother, and devoted grandmother. She was always thinking of others and how she could share love and new experiences with them, including family vacations, afternoons at the theatre, visits at the condo in Collingwood, and accompanying grandchildren on school trips.

Muriel was an accomplished musician, a sought-after vocal soloist and member of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir for many years. She was known for her beautiful voice and served faithfully in various expressions of music ministries throughout her life. Her love of music is a legacy that will continue to be passed on through the generations.

In addition to her musical accomplishments, Muriel was a dedicated volunteer, most notably with the yearly Christmas Gift-Wrapping initiative at Sherway Gardens Mall, raising significant funds for the work of The Salvation Army alongside her dear friends.

Muriel’s sparkling personality, graceful presence, stylish fashion, and kind heart will be missed deeply by many. Over the last 10 years as Alzheimer’s Disease began to slowly take her memories away, Muriel never lost her beautiful, caring spirit. Her smile and laugh could still light up a room even while clouded with confusion.

Muriel is pre-deceased by her husband Fred and will be sorely missed by her husband Paul. She is pre-deceased by brothers Charles Ede and Lance Ede; sister and brother-in-law Alma and George Horsley; and brothers-in-law Ken Borland and Ron Quick. She is fondly remembered by sisters-in-law Catherine Ede (Charles), Marion Ede (Lance), Audrey Quick (Ron), Joyce Borland (Ken), and Barb Anderson and her husband Don. She is treasured greatly and will be missed by her son Martin (Holly) and daughter Lori (Doug Young); and stepdaughters Rebecca Green (Leo Livshits), Gretchen Green, and Amy Green (Suzi Tepperman). Her grandchildren Lt. Emily Newbury (Kyron) and Melissa Richards; Evie and Freddi Young; Simone and Adam Livshits; Madeline and Sarah Cozad; and Lili and Maura Tepperman will miss her loving spirit and grace. Auntie Moo will be missed and fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made via cheque to The Salvation Army Etobicoke Temple (2152 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 4K9), marked In Memory of Muriel Richards; or contact Etobicoke Temple at 416-743-3931 for electronic transfer options.

Muriel will be interred at Riverside Cemetery in a private family service, and a public celebration of her life will occur at a later date.