Muriel A. Thompson, 96 passed away, Tuesday, December 24, 2019 in Sand Diego, CA. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at Riverside Cemetery with Pastor Kristie Firme officiating.

Muriel was born and grew up in Sterling, CO. She attended the Methodist Church on a regular basis and became involved with the Epworth League when she was 12. She graduated from Sterling High School in 1941. She enjoyed music in school and played alto clarinet in the high school band.

At age 21 she no longer needed her red haired mother's permission and her father had passed away years before, so she enlisted in the US Women's Marines – WWII – Active duty 1944 – 1946, followed by several years in the Reserves. She learned carpentry as well as other skills she took with her in life. She was stationed outside of San Diego at El Toro. She was very proud to be a Marine.

Muriel was very focused on education. She took full advantage of the G.I. Bill and eventually earned these degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, 1948, University of Colorado; Bachelor of Science, 1951, University of Washington; Master of Public Health, 1959, Columbia University; Doctor of Public Health, 1970, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

She accepted the position of Chief, County of San Diego Public Health Laboratory in September 1970. She also served concurrently in leadership roles in over thirteen professional societies and president of many including County, State, and National Public Health and Microbiology societies. She retired in 1989.

In 1954 when she was in her early 30's, along with her friend, Virginia, she purchased property on Lopez Island, WA. It was just an agricultural island then with two ferry runs and no tourists. Just "worthless shallow beach property" to the farmer owner since he could not plant crops or graze cattle on it, but a piece of paradise to the two young women. They visited in the summers and camped on the beach for years. In the early 90's she purchased a small manufactured home and had it installed with water and septic on the property. She loved spending a couple of months a year in the summer.

She never stopped learning and participating. She lived at the retirement facility, Casa de Manana, in La Jolla, CA, for 16 years and took advantage of all activities available to her including exercise, outings, computer classes, and more. She and her dear friend of 45 years, Kitty, were inseparable. They toured the country in a small RV for several years during the summer. She was a steady friend through Kitty's illness and passing.

Muriel was known to the family as "Aunt Murnie." She had no children but she did have three nieces and two nephews. She was preceded in death by one of her nephews, Larry Thompson. Here are some loving memories shared by her surviving nieces and nephew:

From Kathy O'Connor, Montclair, VA:

There are so many good thoughts and memories, it's hard to know where to begin. Aunt Murnie was my best friend; a great listener and she supported all of my decisions. She traveled to most all the family weddings and graduations. She was truly a woman with a passion for life. One of my earliest memories was when we went camping in Yellowstone and on our way into the restroom a bear greeted us. Another time we built a box kite together, flew the kite and won first place. We had a big trip to New York City, just the two of us, where we rode the horse drawn carriages in Central Park, walked up to the crown in the Statue of Liberty and had dinner on top of the World Trade Center. On her last trip to the east coast she spent a day at the Marine Corps Museum at Quantico, VA. During the last two years I've called her every day and she would end the call saying "thank you for calling, goodbye." So to my beloved aunt I say to you, "thank you for being a part of my life, goodbye." I loved you and will miss you every day.

From Jay Holland, Benicia, CA:

There was never a dull moment when she was around. She had things to do, places to see and people to meet so come along or wish you had. And she always did it with a smile. She was an avid collector of everything from seeds to orchids. She saved them, grew them, made them work and shared them - again, always with a smile. She really loved and cared about dogs and always checked to see how ours were doing. There were always surprises - like when she drove up in her RV and did not say "hello" - she said, "where is your sledge hammer?" She had forgotten to pick up her steps again. Believe me, she was a love and will truly be missed.

From Linda Zerbst, Lopez Island, WA:

Aunt Murnie was full of life. She was frugal and at the same time very generous. She bought and drove a Mustang convertible in her 80's and she would drive blocks out of her way to save a few cents on a gallon of gas. She lived to be 96½ and ate bacon every morning and enjoyed her adult beverage every evening. Her long-term care insurance expired in November - leave it to Aunt Murnie to get her money's worth!

She tried to attend all major family events, but most important to her were the graduations – high school and college. She was there for celebrations as well as supporting family through illness.

At five feet two inches tall, Aunt Murnie was always bigger than life. She left a wake and made an impression wherever she went, whatever she did, and whomever she met. Our love for Aunt Murnie runs deep. She is and always will be an icon in my life that is unparalleled. She was an anchor for the family and an example of strength, accomplishment, independence, and success. She exemplified what can be accomplished with determination and perseverance, while at the same time remaining faithful to and in constant contact with her family who adored her. Her passing leaves a hole in our lives, but her memory lives on to comfort us and make us laugh.

SHE DID IT HER WAY….