Obituary of Muriel Ashfield

While her daily-devotional was being read aloud by her daughter, God chose this peaceful moment in the late morning of April 26, 2013 to call Muriel Evelyn Ashfield to her heavenly reward from the comfortable quarters of the Shannex Retirement Community, in Fredericton. Muriel was born on January 20th, 1919 at Woodlands, N.B. and was the daughter of the late Leslie and Nellie (Brewer) Saunders. Muriel was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, James Ashfield (who died in August 2008), but will be forever remembered by her daughter Elaine (Brian) Connell, and sons Leslie (Pauline), Ronald (Frankie) and Douglas (Doris) Ashfield. Nanny James will also live on in the loving memories of her 11 grandchildren, Deanna (Doug) Stewart, Heather (Albert) Savoie, Brian (Kelly) Ashfield, Debbie (Chris) Black, Michelle Keefe, Kevin (Shelley) Ashfield, Matt (Natasha) Ashfield, Dr. James (Dr. Jane) Ashfield, Dr. Renee (Fraser) Hart, Michael (Amanda) Ashfield and Chris (Kelsey) Connell. As well, 24 great-grandchildren (and still counting) will miss dunking their jam-jams in a glass of milk with their ever adoring and gentle Nanny James. Muriel is survived by 3 sisters, Dorothy McNeill, Kathleen Holyoke and Enid Pugh, as well as sisters-in-law Marjorie Saunders, Faye Saunders, Phyllis Cormier and Nora Locke and numerous nieces and nephews. Muriel was predeceased by her brothers, Wilson, Ian, Murray and Irvine Saunders, and sisters Klyne Wilkins and Helen Jacobs. Muriel’s was a life well-lived. She persevered with courage, hope, laughter, hard-work, dignity, grace and an abiding-faith through all the sparse years, and was a constant source of unfailing love, joy and happiness to her family, friends and community. In the early 1940’s, when James was stricken with scarlet-fever and his very survival, as well as that of the young family, was in jeopardy on their rural farm, Muriel summonsed all her inner strength to manage both barn and home through a perilous winter. As the family grew, and despite James’ expanding earth-moving and contracting business which occupied his summers throughout New Brunswick and beyond, the family remained loyal to its rural roots. Muriel’s many nieces and nephews were frequent summer visitors to the farm where Muriel kept everyone busy weeding gardens and picking berries – to be followed by a rewarding family swim at the Tay swimming-hole! Muriel’s own speed and dexterity in accomplishing all farm and home-making tasks was without peer, and her own apple-pies frequently led the annual competitions at the Stanley fair. She had an enthusiastic interest in all community events and especially those that related to the children in the area, as well as school and church matters. With quiet confidence and a twinkle in her loving eyes she always inspired others to simply do their best. In the 60’s, with her family grown, Muriel accompanied James on construction projects in Newfoundland, making new and lasting friendships wherever she went. As the grandchildren came along they were introduced by James and Muriel to the pleasures of trout fishing, snowmobiling and making Maple-syrup at the North Tay camp. As well, James and Muriel took great delight in hosting family activities for children, grandchildren and friends at the Davidson Lake log-cabin. Muriel was never happier than when she was rocking a young child who needed a dose of her nurturing comfort! Muriel blessed everyone who knew her with her gentle and sincere ways, her happy smile and the deep assurance that greater things lie in store for all. The memories Muriel inspired will live on, and be treasured by, all those she touched. Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive on Monday, April 29, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Funeral Service will take place at Morning Gate Church on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 11am with Rev. Dr. Brad Little officiating. Interment will take place in Stirling United Church Cemetery, Tay Creek, NB. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Stirling United Church Cemetery or the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com