Muriel Bates (nee Anderson)

Muriel Bates (nee Anderson) was born in Winnipeg and passed away unexpectedly at the Foothills Hospital. She was predeceased by husband, Ken in 2010. She is survived by daughters Mary (Pietro) Andreotta, Cathy (Mike) Plotnick; granddaughter, Emily Andreotta; great grandson, Archer; brother, Bill Anderson; and cousin, Kathy Henderson. Mom came from a very close knit Scottish immigrant family, most of whom lived on Moncton Avenue in East Kildonen, Winnipeg. One of her best childhood memories was time spent with family at Grand Beach. Over her lifetime, Mom established and maintained numerous enduring friendships that meant the world to her. Growing up, we heard many times about mom's oldest, dearest friend, Effie Mason. As a young adult, she worked at Singer Sewing Machine, where she met Verna, Ruth, Claire, Beverly and Lorraine. Over the years, they loved weekend getaways with lots of laughter and cocktails. Her sense of adventure took her to live in San Francisco with dear friend Beverly, resulting in many escapades and her love of martinis. There she met Dad, and they moved to Edmonton after marrying in 1960. Mom met Carol Shaw with Mary in the stroller and Marge Boychuk in hospital having Cathy, and they were fixtures in her life up to the day she died. Moving to Calgary in 1971, Mom's first new friend was neighbour, Arlene McKay. Mom returned to work and met friend of 45 years, Bonnie Scott. Many memorable occasions were spent with Bonnie and her husband, Lorne. Mom and Dad were avid travelers and instilled it in both of us. They loved their annual winter vacations in Zihuatanejo and the trip to meet Mom's family in Scotland from both the Anderson and Stuart sides was most memorable. Mom enjoyed good food and loved baking. She was renowned for her butter tarts and always had them in tow when she went to the doctor. She enjoyed discussing politics and following the news. Despite dealing with physical disabilities, she remained mentally sharp as a tack, was very determined and strong-willed to maintain her independence. Losing her ability to drive was a severe blow to her as she was uncomfortable relying on people. With both of us living out of the country, we are grateful to many people, especially Cass Ogle who stepped in as surrogate daughter. The final reflection mom shared prior to going into surgery was she made new friends wherever she went. That was, indeed, the theme of her life and how she lived it. Special thanks to good friends and neighbours, Jim & Gail Hunt and Dale & Lorraine Kelly for their loving support; family doctor, Doug Caine and nurse, Victoria. It was mom's wish there be no funeral service. Mom's Celebration of Life will be held at the Calgary Glencoe Club Ballroom on Thursday, August 31 from 2-5 PM (636 29 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0P1). Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Muriel's family through www.evanjstrong.com. If so desired, memorial donations may be made in Muriel's name to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta (100-119 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1Z6, 403-264-5549 or 1-888-473-4636, https://www.heartandstroke.ca/). Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES. (403) 265-1199