McGaw, Muriel E. Freeland, Michigan

Passed away Sunday morning May 13, 2012 at the Stone Crest Assisted Living Facility in Freeland after a brief illness at the age of 95 years. Muriel was born April 11, 1917 in Bloomfield, NJ to the late John and Belle (Love) Leonard where she grew up in what was then the small town of Roseland in Essex County and has resided in this area for the last 12 years, coming from the Farmington, MI area. One of four siblings from a poor family, she was the only one able to attend college. A graduate of Montclair State Teachers college, she taught Spanish, first at Madison High School in New Jersey, next at North Central College in Naperville, IL, and finally, at The Roper School in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Muriel was a member of the Aldersgate Methodist Church in Midland. Muriel also loved being outdoors and was an avid gardener. He pride and joy was her family which she spent as much time as possible with. On October 17, 1941 Muriel married Alastair J. McGaw. Muriel and Al were married for nearly sixty years; he predeceased her on November 24, 1999. Following Al’s death, Muriel moved to Mid-Michigan. In the final decade of her life, her closest friend was her daughter-in-law; Barbara McGaw, who was with her at the time of her passing. She was greatly admired for her mind and her wit. Muriel is survived by two sons; Rick (Barbara) McGaw of Freeland, Ron (Deirdre) McGaw of Herndon, VA and four grandchildren; James, Doug, Emmet and Lindsey. Two brothers; Everett Leonard, Douglas Leonard and a sister; Sophronia “Phronie” Lynch have predeceased Muriel.

Per Muriel’s request cremation has already taken place. Arrangements by the Cunningham/Taylor Funeral Home, 310 E. Washington St., Freeland, MI 48623.