Muriel Agnes Apperley

We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear mom, Muriel (Moo) Apperley, on September 15, 2021 at the age of 93.

Muriel is survived by her children, Kit (Ron) Shongrunden, Sam (Gump) Chmela; grandchildren, Steven (Ruth), Scott (Robyn), Andrew (Sarah), Kelly (Wrigley) and Kenny (Kirsten); great grandchildren, Mason, Leah, Penelope and Olivia; step-brother, Joe Sherritt; as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, Ted; brothers, Alfred, Roland and George Harper, sister, Lillian (Harper) Hrynchuk; and numerous step-brothers and step-sisters.

The youngest of 5 children, Muriel was born in Calgary, AB in 1927. Her parents, Herbert and Mary Kate (Willis) Harper had immigrated to Canada from England in the early 1900’s. Living out in the country, Muriel acquired a love for all animals, but it was her horses that always held a special place in her heart. Muriel spent most of her working career as an office clerk. It was while working in the Dept. of Veterans Affairs in Calgary that she met and married the love of her life, Ted. It was he who nicknamed her “Moo”.

In 1965 they moved the family from Calgary to Penticton, BC. Their “paradise”. Muriel loved camping with family and friends. She loved to play $1.35 card games and horse race games and was always ready to tell a good joke, have a glass of white wine and enjoy a fun party. Muriel was very musical. She was a long-time member of the Sweet Adelines. She also loved playing the piano, solely by ear, entertaining family and friends at many gatherings.

In July 2021 she was especially thrilled to have all her grandchildren, and their children, into her room where she played her piano for them all. Her biggest smiles appeared while playing several “duets” with her 4 toddler great grandchildren.

Muriel was a gentle, loving, kind soul who was loved deeply by all who knew her. We will miss you mom! We would like to thank our “sister,” Deb Doyle who through her endless care, love and support helped to enrich our family’s life and especially the life of her “MamaMoo”. We also send thanks and appreciation to the staff at Haven Hill who took such good care of our mom as well as the doctors and nurses at Penticton Regional Hospital.

A memorial will be held at a future date. In lieu of other tributes, please consider making a donation to the South Okanagan BCSPCA https://spca.bc.ca/donations/south-okanagan/.