Victoria has lost a special lady with the death of lifelong resident Muriel Smith on September 26, 2015.  Muriel Elsie was born at home, on Broughton Street, to Elsie (Dumbleton) and Bert Zala on August 9, 1922.  Muriel’s family was active in the early Vaudeville circuit and her Dad, Bert, was a popular pianist and orchestra leader in Victoria.  It wasn’t long before little Muriel was singing and dancing on stage herself.  Muriel fondly remembered dancing for Jenny Butchart’s guests on the lawn in front of the Butchart’s home in 1926.  Muriel attended Alice Carr’s Kindergarten and Beacon Hill Elementary School in James Bay and later, Girl’s Central School and Victoria High in Fernwood.

Muriel continued to sing and dance in school pageants, with her Dad’s orchestra at the Crystal Gardens and more recently, entertaining her fellow residents at Selkirk Place Complex Care, with her impromptu piano ‘recitals’.

Muriel was married to her husband, Don Smith, for 62 years; they met in Victoria during the War years and made their home, first in Sidney, BC, where Don was the Custom’s Officer, before moving into Oak Bay.  Don and Muriel were active members at Uplands Golf Club until Don’s death in 2005.

Muriel worked for the Municipality of Oak Bay in the Tax Department.  Upon retirement, Muriel discovered ‘recreational shopping’ and she enjoyed nothing more than wandering through the shops along Oak Bay Avenue, often accompanied by her daughter, Suzanne (Peter) of Cowichan Bay.

Muriel was a kind and multi-talented lady who was devoted to her family, loved animals and her garden.  Her beauty, warmth and creativity will be missed.

The family would like to thank the Staff on 4th Floor Dayton Unit at Selkirk Place for their patience with Mom while she was a resident and especially for the compassion that was shown to us in Mom’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to your local SPCA.  Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home

www.mccallbros.com.

  • George and Susan Lynn

    Suzanne and Peter,

    We want you to know that our sympathy and thoughts are with you at this sad and lonely time with the passing of your mother. We know you will miss Muriel greatly.
    With love,
    George and Susan

  • Harv and Sharon Wiltse

    Suzanne and family,
    So sorry to hear of Muriel’s passing. We have fond memories of both your mom and dad.
    Harv and Sharon Wiltse

  • Rich Johnston

    Dear Suzanne. My brother Phil kindly let me know of the passing of your wonderful mother and I just wanted to let you know how sorry I was to hear of the very sad news. Muriel and Don were very special to me growing up on Clive Drive. They were always there to lend a helping hand and a friendly ear as I spent a lot of time over at your house before you were born and afterwards. In fact I vividly remember the day you came home from the hospital as a new born and how exciting it was seeing you and seeing how proud and happy your mother and father were to have you as their important addition to the Smith family. It is so gratifying that both your mother and our mother Pat were such good friends for so many years and amazing that they both made it to 93 years of age. It speaks well to the healthy life style they both lived in Oak Bay. What a wonderful community of friends we experienced on Clive Drive and in Oak Bay. I wish you and Peter my most sincere condolences at this very emotional and trying time and I wish you the happiest of memories of your upbringing with two parents who totally loved you and were so devoted to you. Much love from an old friend you haven’t seen in a long time, Rich Johnston

  • Heather (Tobin) Cooper

    Dear Suzanne and family,
    Last time I saw you was in your home to celebrate a birthday for your dad. I was so sorry to read that your mom, too, has now gone. My dad, Harry Tobin, worked in the Beacon Ave. Customs and Immigration office as did your dad, Don. Mom and Dad shared a friendship with your folks from the time they lived at the auto court in the late forties, in Sidney. Your dad took me to dad and daughter night (before you were born) at the Sidney Rotary club. So we all go back a long ways and your mom is part of many of my warm childhood memories. God bless you always,
    Heather (Tobin) Cooper, Qualicum Beach, B.C.

  • Landon Giguere

    sending love from Landon, Diane, Ella, Lisa, little bean and Dexter.

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