A sweet, soft spoken woman who had a keen sense of humor
MELROSE — Muriel Ethel (DeMers) McFarland, formerly of Melrose, died peacefully on March 8, 2022 at the age of 95. Beloved wife of over 60 years to the late Thomas Warren McFarland (WWII Navy Veteran and AT&T Retiree) whom she called “Warren” after the birth of their first son. Muriel was born March 4, 1927 in Lowell to Lillian M. (Pigeon) Demers and Elmer J. Demers. She was baptized on March 13, 1927 in St. John the Evangelist Church in North Chelmsford. Her godparents were Louis and Ethel Pigeon. Muriel was raised on Pierce Avenue in Everett and graduated from Everett High School.
Muriel was married at age 18 by her uncle Reverend Gilbert Demers on July 22, 1945 at St. Joseph’s Church in Everett where she had attended church as a child. The Maid of Honor and Best Man were Louise Demers and John McFarland respectively. The reception was held on her grandmother’s property on “Demers Lane” in Everett. Muriel was devoted to her family, had no vices and held no superstitions. She loved cleaning and decorating her Melrose home in the Colonial style. Muriel was sweet, soft spoken, and had a keen sense of humor which often took people by surprise. Muriel read the newspaper every day, enjoyed country music, square dancing, watching golf, rooting for the Patriots, and following current events on TV. Muriel also loved reading, watching birds, listening to crickets, and enjoying the breeze on her screened in porch with Warren, as well as going for drives up to Great Neck and her family cottage on Little Neck in Ipswich, eating at The Village and Danversport Yacht Club restaurants, and going for seafood in Ipswich and Essex.
Devoted mother of Muriel L. Fallon and her husband, Richard, of Malden; Thomas W. McFarland Jr. and his wife, Peggy, of Punta Gorda, Fla.; Patricia M. Stornanti and her husband, Frank Sr., of Reading; Mary L. McFarland of Scarborough, Maine; Stephen J. McFarland and his wife, Virginia, of Groton; Kevin A. McFarland and his wife, Cynthia, of Danvers (and formerly Southlake, Texas) and the late Kathleen A. McFarland. Sister of John DeMers and his wife, Joanna, of Maine and the late Louise Bodvar. Also survived by 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A private funeral service will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, Melrose. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.