It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Muriel Osburn (nee Sinclair) on April 12th, 2008 at the age of 92 years.
Muriel Jarvis Sinclair was born in Toronto on April 3rd, 1916. She attended Branksome Hall in Toronto, and spent her summers in Algonquin Park at Camp Tanamakoon. Muriel had always wanted to be a nurse and upon graduation she enrolled in the nursing program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and graduated with honours.
In 1943 Muriel enlisted with the Canadian Army as a Nursing Sister with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. She was posted oversees at the No 24 Canadian General Hospital in Surrey, England. One of her patients was Major Fred Tilson who lost both legs in action and he requested Muriel accompany him in his wheelchair to Buckingham Palace when King George V awarded him the Victoria Cross.
In 1945, Muriel volunteered to join the Canadian Army of Occupation in Germany as a nursing sister and was stationed near Oldenburg. It was here that she met William Osburn who was also serving with the Canadian Army. When discharged in 1946, Bill and Muriel returned to Canada and were married in Toronto on June 14th, 1947. They settled in West Vancouver, B.C. and resided there for many years, raising two children. Upon Bill’s retirement in 1977, they moved to Salt Spring Island, first residing on Sunset Drive and moving to Brinkworthy Estates in 1990. For the past two years, Muriel has been a resident of Lady Minto Hospital and the concern & support of the caring staff has been much appreciated by the family.
Muriel always enjoyed nursing and was on the staff when Greenwoods Care Facility first opened. Upon her retirement, she volunteered with the Thrift Shop and Seniors for Seniors and enjoyed evenings with friends at the local Legion.
Muriel was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Bill, in 2004. She will be held forever in the hearts of daughter Jayne Lapointe (Raymond), son Peter Osburn and grandson Garth Lapointe and her dear friend Wendy Smith. Muriel will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sister Gwynneth (Ginty) Powell, of Toronto, ON and brother Robert (Bob) Sinclair, of Mississauga, ON and their children and families.
A memorial tea service will be held on Friday, May 9th at 2:00 pm in the ECU Recreation Room of Lady Minto Hospital, 135 Crofton Road, Salt Spring Island.
Friends wishing to do so may make a donation in memory of Muriel to the BC SPCA Salt Spring Island Branch (PO Box 522, Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2W2) or The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 (120 Blain Road, Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2P7).
