LEYLAND, Muriel Doreen Leyland

On March 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, the Lord peacefully called Muriel home in her 95th year. She is now reunited with her beloved husband Bob, her son Mark, and her daughter-in-law Janie. Muriel will be sadly missed by her children: Stephen (Patsy), Sharon (Brian Archer), Robert (Marjorie), and Jeff (Rena). Cherished grandmother of Vanessa (Sean), Lucas (Jen), Stephanie and Ashley, Brad (Amber), Amanda (Terry), Melissa (Justin), Michelle, Joshua (Rachel), Mathew, Spencer (Nicole), Reuben (Brittney), Emma (Rem), and Abbey. She was also a proud great-grandmother to 26 great-grandchildren. Muriel will be lovingly remembered by her extended family, relatives, and friends. Her faith, kindness, and devotion to her family will remain an enduring legacy. Muriel was born to Stephen and Edith Dexter, on a warm September day, the fifth of six children.

Muriel Doreen Leyland was active in dance, specializing in tap, even performing for troops during the war. Growing up in Hamilton and met her future husband while attending elementary school. At age 12 she told her girlfriend she would marry Bob, a popular boy at school. No one took her seriously but 6 years later, on a cool partly sunny day, February 4, 1950, Muriel’s bold prediction came true. For 59 years until Bob’s “graduation” to heaven the two were inseparable.

Prior to marrying, and for their first year married Muriel had the privilege to work with her father and a sister at Chipman-Holton Knitting Company Limited, working a knitting machine making socks. Her industry and hard work shone and was even reprimanded by some for being too fast and accurate. She remained there until moving to Toronto for a short time, and it is in Toronto where the first of 5 children were born.

Muriel was dedicated first to her LORD Jesus then her husband and her family. As a couple they served as youth leaders and gave leadership to young adults. As her family grew, she dedicated herself to teaching children about the Gospel of Jesus. Her own children remember sitting in Sunday School as their mom retold the stories she had practiced with them the week before at home. Later she would also help in AWANA at the church they called home, Faith Gospel. When they moved churches to attend one closer to home, she again taught children and eventually in her early 80s she would step up and help one more year with her church high school group.

Muriel was not only gifted in teaching and working with children but in many other areas. Her family will attest to her culinary gifts, baked goods, cake decorating and homemade candies. She would share her love with the neighbourhood children entertaining her children’s friends by having the children mix, fold, and bake bread in little clay flower pots during summer holidays. If you lived on Hamilton Mountain and happened to make your way down their street you might have caught children sitting on a front porch with fresh bread, a block of butter and a glass of milk.

She had many crafts she participated in which included tole painting, making ceramic dolls, crocheting, sewing, and knitting. Knitting would be one hobby she would continue for her life. She would often make special scarves or toques for her family and would send off boxes of hats and mitts for those in need including caps for newborn children. She was generous in giving the work from her hands to those in need, here and around the world.

Muriel also had a green thumb. Her and Bob kept various sized gardens over the years. Upon moving outside of Caledonia her garden grew to be very large for a while supplementing food for the family. Her African Violet collection was spectacular. Her ability to grow things was amazing, one year growing potatoes in a pot from peelings from potatoes she had for supper. She was a lover of flowers planting over 100 bulbs one fall anxiously waiting for the next spring to see the spectacular colours.

She enjoyed the laughter of family and the smiles on the faces of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Blessed with many she enjoyed following their lives and never missed a birthday sending out cards to so many.

While in the hospital she quoted from the book of Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. She then said I will trust the Lord to direct my path, even here. She displayed the same trust she had lived by ever since becoming a Christian, trusting Jesus and trusting Him to direct her ways.

As per Muriel’s wishes, a private funeral for immediate family will be held. Interment at Caledonia Cemetery. Donations to GALCOM International or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Proverbs 3: 5 – 6

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Till we meet again.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to MILLER FUNERAL CHAPEL, Caledonia (905-765-2712). Friends and family are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.millerfuneralchapel.ca