"I’m going to leave you now. It’s time for me to go. Everything is ready. Be happy with each other. You have each other. Good bye, I’m going now."~Muriel Duckworth, Pacifist, Feminist, Member of the Order of Canada, Canadian Voice of Women for Peace.

Today we are saddened to report our dear co-founder of the Nova Scotia branch of the Canadian Voice of Women for Peace has died at the age of 100.

Loved by all that knew her and an inspiration to us all, Muriel has been featured in a Globe & Mail lead article. Click Here.

LEARN ABOUT MURIEL'S LIFE on WIKIPEDIA...

“Her life shows not only it can be done, but that it has been done. I would like Muriel to be remembered as somebody who demonstrated that it's possible to change one's society, to be profoundly critical and still remain a respected member of that society.” ~ Ursula Franklin

“War is the greatest destroyer of human life, the greatest polluter, the greatest creator of refugees, the greatest cause of starvation and illness. We all have to care – not just for our own little circle, but for the universe.” Muriel Duckworth.

August 18th, 2009

Dear Friends,

Muriel is leaving us. She is now receiving palliative care in Magog Hospital. For those of you who haven't needed to learn what that is,  palliative care is end-of-life care that focuses on peace and comfort for the person dying and for their nearest and dearest. Muriel's family members are with her around the clock. She is calm, strong in spirit but weak in body.  Her mind is on other things now.

Last week, Muriel spoke these words to two Quaker Friends who were sitting with her.

"I’m going to leave you now. It’s time for me to go. Everything is ready. Be happy with each other. You have each other. Good bye, I’m going now."

I am taking comfort from those words, knowing that Muriel is at peace with this part of her journey. 

In the words of "Muriel's Song" written by Rose Vaughan and Cheryl Gaudet:

"In your name, we'll carry on, speaking out for everyone and honour all that you have done with passion and with grace".

You can watch the video of the song as performed at Muriel's 100th birthday concert, where we sang that pledge together. (Click here to view)

Now is the time to surround Muriel with love and light in whatever faith or spiritual practice you follow. I believe she will feel it. 

Please resist any urge you may have to call the family. Your cards, photos and best wishes have surrounded Muriel in her hospital room these past few weeks. She and her caregivers have taken great joy from them but they are all beyond responding to calls at this time.  

I will keep you posted as events unfold. Please circulate this as you wish.

In peace, Pat Kipping