Muriel Jeanette (Jacobson) Blaikie, 1912-2005

Muriel Jeanette (Jacobson) Blaikie was born Oct. 7, 1912 in Bawlf, Alta. to Andrew and Annie Jacobson, immigrants from Norway.

Muriel was the third of 10 children including five girls and five boys.

As a young woman, Muriel worked at various lumber camps as a cook's helper, where she eventually met Harris Blaikie. They were married on Aug. 18, 1937. Her marriage certificate noted that at the ripe old age of 23, she was a spinster. Following their marriage, they made their home in Whitecourt, Alta. where Harris was an accountant. Before too long, Charles (Chuck) was born, followed by Howard, Richard (Dick), Janet, Stan, Gordon (Jim) and Ron. The family moved around the Whitecourt area trying to make ends meet and put enough food on the table at various jobs.

Finally, in 1958, Muriel and Harris moved to High Prairie where Harris took a job as secretary-treasurer for the Town of High Prairie. Muriel worked for a time cleaning the town office and the RCMP building. Mostly, she remained devoted to raising her family.

Following the death of her husband in 1978, Muriel resided alone in her home in High Prairie until her death. She received her driver's license when she was 65 and drove herself, even within recent months. She began to travel throughout Western Canada and the western United States with her sister, Olive (Toots). She came home with many wonderful stories.

Muriel made many beautiful crafts through her years and many of us have been blessed with her handiwork, be it a quilt, a spoon rack or a macramé chair. She loved to play a little bingo here and there and trips to the casino were agreed upon without a moment's hesitation. She loved to watch any sport on TV, especially hockey or auto racing. She would cheer for any hockey team except Toronto or Montreal. She was known to be able to watch a hockey game on TV and listen to another on the radio at the same time, although she would never admit it. She would take a keen interest in specific athletes and it was as though Muriel knew her favourite sports stars personally. She would enjoy telling her children and grandchildren about the highlights of that person.

Muriel loved to read. Often, late at night, her bedroom light would still be on, telling those concerned that she was probably right in the midst of a great story. Family members were also aware that a visit or a telephone call too early in the day, say 11:30 a.m. or so, might mean Muriel may not be available.

When the Lutheran Church began to offer services in the church at Triangle, Muriel began attending regularly when the roads were good and when she was feeling well enough. In 1991, she was confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

In 1992, when she tuned 80, her children hosted a surprise birthday for her. It was the first party that she had to celebrate her many birthdays.

Muriel leaves behind her loving children: Chuck Blaikie of Wabamum, Alta, Howard (Gerry) Blaikie or High Prairie, Richard (Sheryl) of High Prairie, Janet (Robert) Lemay of Enilda, Stanley (Cathie) Blaikie of Edson, and Ron (Marilyn) Blaikie of Sherwood Park; 19 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; her brothers, Jack (Norma) Jacobson, Stanley (Nancy) Jacobson and Ken Jacobson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by: her husband, Harris Alex Blaikie in 1978; one son, Gordon James Blaikie in August 1994; her parents; and six brothers and sisters.

Muriel spent 92 years with us and passed away Jan. 12, 2005, in High Prairie, after a brief illness. She lived a good and happy life. Her family is thankful that she graced our lives for so long, and that she was well and clear-minded until the end. She was the core of the family and will be missed sorely.

A small prayer service was held at the Lutheran Church in High Prairie Jan. 19 to commemorate Muriel's life. Interment will follow at a later date.