It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Muriel Barrowclough on December 4, 2019 after a brief hospital stay in Prince Albert at the age of 90.

She was predeceased by her husband Albert, and her son, Garth. Muriel was the last surviving child of Mike and Hafia Shinkaruk. She had 7 sisters and 4 brothers. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Linda Baxter, Brenda (Bob) Ruszkowski, and grandson Adam (Heidi) Ruszkowski.

Muriel was born in Wakaw but only spent a brief period of time there before the family moved to Bodmin for the opportunity to break land and expand the family farm. Many of the cherished memories she shared with her close family reflected of times in Bodmin. She recalled working with her parents and siblings with all the daily chores of running a farm, growing up in a large family, and the day to day struggles and joys of living in much harder times than we enjoy today. This traditional background is what molded her to be the realistic and appreciative person she was for her whole life.

At the age of 16, Muriel moved to Prince Albert to begin working and join her older siblings that were living there to raise their young families. She was working at The Snack Shop when she met her future husband, Albert. They courted for a short while and were married in May of 1947. They were blessed with 3 children- Garth (1948), Linda (1950), and Brenda (1959). Many special family memories were made at the cabin at La Ronge that she always made extra special with gourmet meals prepared on the wood stove. This was Mom’s favourite holiday destination. When everything she could ever want and need was at the cabin, travelling the world was irrelevant.

Mom and Dad spent 30 years in the city raising their family and made the exciting move to the acreage at Spruce Home in 1977. Mom’s prior experience with keeping an immaculate yard and home in the city was put to good use on the acreage where she spent her days in the lush private setting that they created and maintained together. The yearly harvest from their garden always resulted in Mom spending countless hours preparing and canning vegetables and home-made foods that were second to none. She also carried on her Ukrainian background making the world’s best perogies that were always enjoyed and appreciated at countless family meals. Living at Spruce Home was also the gateway to the northern lakes that she and Dad fished year-round. If they weren’t at the cabin or in their yard, they were fishing. We all enjoyed Grandma’s bountiful pantry filled with garden vegetables, pickles, perogies, and fresh fish. Mom was also always very appreciative of the drop-by visits from family and friends who always brought her treats.

The acreage was also the spot where she was the best grandma imaginable. Numerous times per week in Adam’s youth were spent getting off the bus after school to spend the afternoon together. Adventures through the forest, time in the garden, special suppers, and mowing the lawn were some of Grandma’s favourite memories with Adam; special in the simplest of ways.

She was a selfless and devoted wife, mom, and grandma. The warm, welcoming, and positive environment that existed around her has set an example for her family of what the world needs more of. We are blessed to have so many beautiful memories with Mom/Grandma and she will be in our thoughts forever.

At Muriel’s request, no service will be held. Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium Brian and Bev Stobbs, Renée Phaneuf – Funeral Directors. www.MacKenzieChapel.ca . 306.763.8488.

• Date : 1929-07-16
• Location : Prince Albert, SK