Muriel P. Prime

Muriel P. Prime, 94, of 50 Mansion Drive, Rowley, passed away Monday, January 22, 2018. Born in Ipswich, MA on February 11, 1923, she was the daughter of the late George E. and Edna Jane (Hardy) Prime.

Muriel is survived by two nephews Richard (Ricky) Barboro and Terry Barboro both of Ipswich. She also leaves cousins; Beulah Hardy Richardson of Feeding Hills, MA, Patty Hardy Courage of Ipswich, Camellia Munska and husband David of South Hampton, MA , Elaine Pope of Columbus IN, John Perley of Sebastian, FL and Alice Reed of Rowley.

In addition Muriel leaves her dear friend and longtime caretaker, Diane Gage of Bradford, MA and two loving “surrogate daughters”, Danby Whitmore and Judy Robillard of Rowley. 

Muriel was a member of the First Congregational Church of Rowley, The Rowley Historical Society and an active member of the Rowley Counsel on Aging.

She lived a faith filled Christian life and had a vibrant passion and enthusiasm for music and the arts. She was always first on the dance floor at events and celebrations into her 90’s. Muriel loved poetry and songs and committed many poems to memory.

Muriel remained an active ocean swimmer into her early 90’s. In her earlier years you could find her surf casting regularly on Plum Island. Far into her late 80’s she was a cross country skier often skiing to the Rowley Market Basket for groceries.

As a young girl Muriel opted for adventure over dolls and requested a B-B gun in lieu of a doll for her birthday “because the boys were having much more fun in the woods”. Muriel also had a love of basketball and football and was familiar with our Boston players by name and position.

After her retirement from Sylvania as an assembler, Muriel traveled to Europe, the UK, and explored Canada and much of the USA.

Muriel was a bundle of positive energy, quick-witted, intelligent and a great storyteller. She had an elegant sense of fashion and was always beautifully dressed. Curious and ready to learn anything new, she took computer classes, Mahjong lessons and art classes into her 90’s. Muriel was spunky and resilient and lived a full and generous life. Muriel‘s generosity of spirit and selflessness was a gift to all who knew and loved her and she will be dearly missed.

Her Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., at The First Congregational Church of Rowley. Calling hours will be held at the Church prior to the Service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Main Street Cemetery, Rowley. 

Muriel was a loyal supporter of dozens of non-profits, Native American children’s education and many animal rescue organizations.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:  Rowley Congregational Church  http://www.firstchurchrowley.org/about/online-giving  ,  The MSPCA  https://www.mspca.org  andThe American Indian College Fund http://collegefund.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Muriel P. Prime, please visit our floral store.