Muriel May Knipfel
passed away peacefully on the 24th of March, 2010, aged 97. She was predeceased by her husband, Major the Rev. Donald Knipfel who died in 1999. Muriel and Don had three children: Dawn (Brett) Zajac of Summerland, Sandy (Dave) Porter of London, England and Murray (Germaine Besanger) Knipfel of Cranbrook, who with their families mourn the loss of a dear, and loving mother. Muriel enjoyed the love and affection of her seven grandchildren: Thomas (Sara) Zajac, Laura (Reid Holmes) Zajac, Jenny (Greg) Evans, Michael Porter, Sally (Joel) Gfeller, Graham (Suzy Prowse) Knipfel, Jaclyn (Roberto Jacobo) Knipfel; her six great-grandchildren: Molly and Lucy Evans, Zoe and Elliott Holmes, Sophie Zajac and Cohen Gfeller were a special delight to her in her later years. Muriel was born on January 16, 1913 in Winnipeg, the second of four children, to William John and Florence Motyer. Two of her siblings have predeceased her; her sister Frances Armstrong died in 1990 and her brother George in 2009. Jack, the youngest, lives in Winnipeg as does George’s widow Thelma. Don and Muriel married in 1942 and after Don’s return from active service in WW11, he accepted a call to the combined Summerland and Peachland Baptist Churches in 1949. In ministering to these churches Don and Muriel made many life-long friends. In 1951, Don rejoined the Armed Services as Padre and over the following 17 years the family was stationed in Calgary, Winnipeg, Germany, Oakville Ontario, and Vancouver. Don and Muriel returned to the Okanagan when a call came, once again, from the Summerland Baptist church; a final move to the place they felt happy to call home. Muriel was a loyal supporter of the work of the church – involved with the women’s and children’s groups and lived her life as a good friend to many. She was a lifetime member of the Women’s Institute and she was one of the original residents of Angus Place. Muriel appreciated the companionship of the other residents there and the thoughtfulness of the staff. Muriel remained alert and concerned for others to the very end. The family is grateful for the care and kindness of Dr. Julien and the staff at Penticton Hospital and Moog Hospice House. A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Muriel May Knipfel will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers please give to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be directed to the family at providencefuneralhomes.com.