Obituary of MURIEL ETTA GAMBREL (nee' Plohman)

Our beloved sister, mother and grandmother, Muriel, passed away peacefully with family at her side, on November 8, 2025, at the age of 91.

Muriel was predeceased by her husband and best friend Jim, in 2021. They married on October 19, 1962, and shared nearly 59 years of love and companionship. She was also predeceased by her parents, Muriel and Hans Plohman; her stepmother Anne and her brothers Jim and Carl.

She will be deeply missed by her children Kathy and Steve (Alanna) and grandchildren Tyler, Adam and Alexis. As well as numerous family and friends. We take comfort in knowing that Mom and Dad are together again.

Muriel also leaves behind her siblings John (Pat), Gary (Shaunda), Grant (Judy) and Lorna (Ron); her sisters-in-law Gloria and Shirley and many other relatives and friends who will remember her with great affection.

 Muriel grew up on the family farm near Faulkner and embraced the hard work of farm life. She often shared stories of caring for animals, doing daily chores, and helping look after her younger siblings until she moved to Winnipeg to continue her education.

Muriel began her career at CP Rail, where she met Jim. She later joined Air Canada, a role that allowed the couple to explore the world together. Before retiring, Muriel spent many years working in the office at Sears Garden City.

Our house on Enniskillen was always busy. We were blessed to have a meticulously maintained backyard skating rink and were on skates as soon as we could walk – learning first by pushing little chairs, then taking skating lessons at the West Kildonan Arena.

 Our family made frequent road trips to visit relatives across Manitoba. If we weren't in Ashern you might find us in Dauphin, Glenboro or Beausejour – trips that helped nurture close relationships with our cousins. 

Mom shared her love of nature by making camping a regular part of our childhood. Our favourite destinations included Watchorn Bay Campground—affectionately known as “Moosehorn,” where we were often joined by the Hamelynck clan—and Gull Harbour Campground near Hecla Island.

Mom was also a Block Parent, keeping a watchful eye on children walking to and from school. She welcomed our friends in and out of the house, with only two rules: be home for supper, and don't slam the screen door.

Before long, it was non-stop sports: baseball and soccer in the summer, hockey and ringette in the winter. Muriel was a passionate sports mom -- driver, canteen volunteer and our biggest cheerleader. She rarely missed a game, and we often welcomed billets into our home during tournaments.

 Muriel was dedicated to her community. She started a Moonbeams (now Sparks) group at Victory School so Kathy would have a place to go while Steve was in Beavers. She also volunteered with Jim’s Cub Scout pack and helped to build a much-needed new playground at Victory School. 

Mom also helped create a community recycling depot at the West Kildonan Memorial Community Centre and volunteered as security during the 1999 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg. 
 
Muriel’s many interests reflected her creativity and determination. She loved gardening, sharing her harvest and often said her farm upbringing taught her to be handy. She loved music and played both accordion and guitar. She also curled for many years at the West Kildonan Curling Club. 
 
A passionate genealogist, Muriel proudly traced the Plohman family roots back through several generations. Muriel’s kitchen was truly the heart of her home. She was a wonderful cook and baker, celebrated for her apple cake, grasshopper cake, and her much-loved chocolate chip cookies. 

No matter how busy she was, Muriel still found time to crochet and sew. She crafted most of her own clothes, including her wedding dress and countless outfits and Halloween costumes for her children, 

When she finally sat down, she almost always had a crochet hook in hand. Her beautiful handcrafted afghans continue to offer warmth and are cherished by her loved ones.

Muriel will be remembered for her warmth, strength, kindness, and the deep love she showed her family and friends. Those who knew her will remember her laugh, her generosity, and the way her home always smelled of something wonderful baking.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Kildonan Personal Care Centre for their compassionate care over the past four years.

A celebration of Muriel’s life will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. 

A livestream Link is available for those who can not join the family celebrating Muriel's life.   

LIVESTREAM LINK