KING, Myrtle May

86 years old, died at North Bay General Hospital, Scollard Site, on Sunday, March 14, 2004. She was the beloved wife of the late William Victor “Bill” Miller, proud and loving mother of Joanne Prudo-Chlebosz and her husband Raymond and cherished grandmother of Erika McNeil and her husband Brian. She was loved by her sisters and brothers-in-law Mrs. Evelyn Robertson (Ross, deceased), Mrs. Jean Andrews (Fred), of North Bay, Mrs. Inez Sweet (Jim), Mrs. Carroll Cawker (Art), as well as her sisters-in-law Mrs. Noreen King, Mrs. Cathy King of North Bay and brother-in-law Mr. Jack Manaham. Myrtle was predeceased by her parents, the late Ernest King and the former May Wood, her sisters Viola Finnigan, Mable Manahan and her brothers, Don, Alvin and Jack. Myrtle spent her formative years and early married life in North Bay, where she worked and became a member of the Nipissing Rebekah Lodge 152. It wasn’t long before the family was moving to Montreal, with a three year old daughter. For the first time Myrtle’s life was separated from her family in North Bay. This change was to be the beginning of many moves, first to Three Rivers, Quebec, followed by Lachine, Quebec, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, and Sherbrooke, Quebec. Myrtle and Bill returned to North Bay, when he retired in 1973. Myrtle met each change energetically focusing on ways to develop family, church and community life. In Three Rivers she contributed to the Parents Association and spent weekends taking her daughter back to Montreal for ballet lessons. In Lachine she became very active in Canadian Girl Guides, first as Captain of a Girl Guide Company and then as a Commissioner. In Wolfville, Myrtle became involved in the administration of the hospital auxiliary gift shop and developed a volunteer Candy Striper group. On returning to North Bay, Myrtle and Bill became leaders in the YMCA Seniors exercise program and active members of the Interlink program, where she exchanged life stories with a student penpal from Grade 4-6. Singing in the choir, comprised of children and seniors, was a bonus to Myrtle. Music was such a central pleasure in her life. Wherever life events took Myrtle, family life remained her focus. She was always concerned about her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews and took opportunities to do special little things. She provided ever present love for her daughter, granddaughter and husband. She shared her strength and love with Marsha’s family and had a very special Nana relationship with Bryanne, Carla and Cari. She was a loyal friend to Heather Gardner. She will be missed very deeply. There will be visitation from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at MARTYN FUNERAL HOME (across from City Hall). The funeral service will be at St. John’s Anglican, Saturday at 3 p.m. If desired, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.