Davidson. Muriel Marguerite (nee Farquhar)

Canada's genealogical community has lost a champion with the passing of Muriel Davidson, October 22, 1924 - June 10, 2008. As co-Chair of the Canada Census Committee which battled for and won the release of post 1901 censuses, through her individual efforts as a Rootsweb newsgroup moderator, in indexing records and providing individual help Muriel was a builder of the genealogical community across Canada.

The family issued the following announcement.

Davidson. Muriel Marguerite (nee Farquhar)

It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Muriel, on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at the Brampton Civic Hospital at the age of 83 years. Born on October 22, 1924, daughter of the late Gordon and Helen (Adams) Farquhar, of Summerville Beach, Nova Scotia. Beloved wife of the late William "Bill" Davidson of 60 years. Muriel's memory will be cherished by her children Don, Lynden (Michael) Cowan and Randy (Charlene) Davidson. Step-mother of Laurie (Lorna), Geneva Dean, Marie (Jack) Malloy and Dennis Davidson. Grandmother to Diane Davidson, Amy (Thomas) Ransom, Michelle Cowan, Robert Cowan. She is survived by brothers Eugene (Geraldine) Farquhar, Ron ( late Joan) Farquhar and numerous relatives in Nova Scotia and Ontario. Predeceased by brothers Clyde (surviving wife Ruth) Farquhar and Don (surviving wife Alma) Farquhar. Muriel was a member of Floral Rebekah Lodge #369 (I.O.O.F.) and also a member of Beaux-Art Brampton. Over the years, she was involved in Boy Scouts,contributor to numerous newspapers, coordinator of the Obstetrical knitting program at Peel Memorial. Muriel was very involved in genealogy research, first for family and then worldwide assistance, including publications. She was instrumental as the head of the Canadian Census Committee in getting the Canadian Government to release the 1911 Census (allowing the release of family information for future generations). This earned her an awarding of an Order of Canada Year of Volunteers award presented by Senator Lorna Milne. Visitation for family and friends will be at the Scott Funeral Home "Brampton Chapel", 289 Main Street North, Brampton (905-451-1100) on Thursday, June 12, 2008 from 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 p.m. with a Rebekah Lodge #369 Service at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Scott Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 11 a.m. Interment Brampton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Muriel's charity of choice is Multiple Sclerosis and also Beaux-Art Brampton (Brampton Art Council). An online book of condolences can be signed on www.scott-brampton.ca