1916 – 2017

WINDHAM — Muriel R. Mulkern, 101, of Tate Lane, joined her husband in heaven on Thursday, Jan. 19; her loving family was by her side.

Muriel was born in Yarmouth on Jan. 7, 1916, the daughter of the late Ernest F. J. and Almyra M. (Cates) Redmun. She graduated from Edward Little High School in the Class of 1934. She lived and worked in Boston in 1938, attending beauty culture school. She returned home from Boston to work in the Auburn shoe factory before moving to California. In 1943, Muriel enlisted in Los Angeles and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After returning home in 1945, she attended the Auburn Maine School of Commerce, graduating in 1948 at the top of her class.

On June 12, 1954, Muriel married John J. Mulkern Sr. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lewiston, a romance which lasted more than 34 years.

While raising her family, Muriel also worked full time, including doing payroll at the Bates Mill, being secretary for the Auburn School Lunch Program for 16 years, and then retiring from Edward Little High School after working eight years as the school secretary.

After her husband’s death in 1988, Muriel moved to South Portland to be closer to her family. She became a communicant of Sacred Heart Church and was active in many church activities. She enjoyed working in her raspberry patch, making (the best!) pear jam from her pear tree in the backyard, sewing, including making all of her children’s clothes while they were in school, knitting and teaching her grandchildren to knit, crossword puzzles and playing cards, especially solitaire. Muriel took pride in helping other people, and always put family at the forefront of her life. She is fondly remembered for her generosity and sense of humor.

She is survived by daughter, Joan M. and her husband, Peter Dubé, of Windham; son, John J. Mulkern Jr. of Windham; grandchildren, Myra and her husband, Ryan Estes of Madison, Michele Perry of Windham, Anna E. Dubé of Windham, and Peter P. Dubé Jr. of Windham; great-grandchildren, Peyton, Dakota, and Jack Estes, all of Madison, Zeb Perry of Poland, Heaven Young of Winthrop, Jennifer Perry of Windham; and a first great-great-grandchild to arrive in March.

Muriel was predeceased by her husband John J. Mulkern Sr. in 1988; granddaughter, Hope Dubé; sisters, Evelyn Veazie, Lois Hamblin and Madolyn Collins; brothers, Earle F. Redmun, Lawrence C. Redmun, Sgt. Harold L. Redmun, Lt. Alfred E. Redmun, PFC William E. Redmun Sr.

To view Muriel’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.