Obituary of Muriel Farris

Muriel Caroline Neale Farris departed this life on November 21, 2015, in St. Joseph's Care Centre, Guelph. Muriel was born into a loving family on October 14, 1922 in the Saskatchewan hamlet of Ethelton. From the age of twelve, she was raised in the nearby town of Melfort. Among many activities, her lovely singing voice enabled her to take leading roles in high school musicals and the St. James Presbyterian Church choir. One day her father brought home for a visit the student minister filling in at neighbouring churches. That young man, Allan Farris, became her enduring love. Allan and Muriel were married after Allan's graduation from Knox College in 1945 and the young couple travelled across the country to their first pastoral charge, First Presbyterian Church, Trail, BC. First Church broadcast its services throughout the region with Muriel as the regular soloist. The time in Trail was also marked by great sorrow, the loss of two infants, Paul and Alana. The young couple moved to the Bolton and Nashville Charge near Toronto and then to Edinburgh where Allan engaged in graduate studies. From there Allan was called to serve as Professor of Church History at Knox College, Toronto. During this time, Muriel raised her family and served as gracious host to the many guests her husband brought home, often with little warning. Many will recall her hospitality and her cooking, especially her amazing pies. Allan died too young in 1977, while serving as Principal of Knox College. Though devastated by this loss, Muriel carried on. She had already entered employment as a bookkeeper in Ontario Ministry of Revenue, a position she kept until retirement. Muriel served as an elder in St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, Don Mills and was able to travel extensively. She helped care for her much loved grandchildren and enjoyed music in particular. Her last years were marked by increasing incapacity, bravely endured. Until very near the end, however, there were moments in which she was able to express her love for her family and her trust in her Saviour to whom she was ready to go. Her earthly life ended as it began, surrounded by love. Muriel Farris is survived by her sister, May Hobbis, of White Rock, BC, by three children, Stephen, (Patricia) Michael (May Wady) and Marion Evans (Paul.) She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Allan (Judith), Daniel (Gillian), Caroline, and Jonathan Farris, and by Margaret (Lori Kyle), Claire and James (Katie Sentjens) Evans. Muriel also enjoyed two great grandchildren, Anna and Peter Farris. A funeral will be attended by family and close friends on November 25 and Muriel will be laid to rest with her Allan in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.