Obituary of Muriel Isabel Flood

Muriel Isabel Flood (nee Price) was born on June 10, 1939 in Tabusintac, N.B. to parents Elvira (Cassidy) and Richard Price. The family moved when she was two years old and she grew up with her two brothers and two sisters in East Saint John, excelling in both academics and athletics and graduating from Simonds High School in 1957. Muriel went on to study at the Saint John General Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1960 with her sisters in nursing who remain close to this day.

With an early love of adventure and travel, Muriel began her nursing career in Toronto where she relished in the excitement of the big city. However, her roots to Saint John proved too strong to resist and she returned in 1963 to marry Charles Wiliam Baxter and start a family. The dream of a cute house with a white picket fence was never quite realized, yet Muriel bravely and successfully raised her three children while working full-time, mostly in the local hospitals with a short and interesting sojourn as the Occupational Nurse at the Bricklin factory. Her children fondly remembered the day she came home in a bright orange Bricklin! Coolest mom on the street!

Muriel worked in a number of departments in Nursing, with particularly memorable times in the Emergency Department and as a member of the IV team. Muriel finished her career as the Discharge Planner at the Saint John Regional Hospital back when the department consisted of one person (her) and the daily bed allocation reports were printed on dot matrix paper!

Muriel married Dr. Harry Flood in 1997. This was an amazing time in her life – her children were all grown and attending university and she and Harry travelled extensively, eventually building a house and spending time in New Zealand. Sadly, this happy time was cut short by Harry’s illness and they returned to Saint John.

Muriel was extremely active in the Saint John community. She was an active founding member of the Outdoor Enthusiast Club; she was a member of the Saint John Art Club; she volunteered as an usher at the Imperial Theatre; and she generously supported many local schools and charities. She took up Bridge rather late in life and became a skillful and accomplished member of the Saint John Bridge Club. Always physically active, her daily walks took her around Millidgeville, to the Irving Nature Park, or to her beloved Rockwood Park.

Muriel had a genuine ability to share and show genuine care, compassion, and empathy to all who crossed her path (no matter the environment or circumstances). The strength of her friendships and her ability to connect deeply with people in a short amount of time, even with strangers who quickly became friends, attest to this. She touched the lives of so many from coast to coast here in Canada as well as around the world.

Muriel’s life was filled with ups and downs; happiness and sorrow; joy and grief. Through it all she demonstrated an incredible resilience and grace. Her family often compared her to the “unsinkable Molly Brown”, and it was an apt comparison. Those who knew her admired her quick wit, intelligent mind, and indomitable spirit...her moxie and courage to speak up and take a stand for what was right.

Muriel was diagnosed with ALS in June of 2024 although it had likely been present for a number of months prior. As with every other challenge life threw at her, she adapted and managed with grace and bravery. She continued to live alone and do her daily activities (albeit limited) until September when she moved into Shannex - Howe Hall. Her family is forever grateful for the loving care she received from everyone there. This gratitude is also warmly and sincerely extended to the aforementioned Extra Mural Program – the ENTIRE team were amazing throughout!

Muriel passed peacefully, with her family by her side, on November 26, 2024. She now joins her loved ones who have gone before, a long-awaited reunion.

Muriel is survived by her son, Richard “Ricky” Baxter (Sara Wegwitz); grandson, Stephen Doucette (Shannon MacFarlane); sisters, Mary Ellis (the late Ross) and Ruth Tedford (the late John); brother, Earle Price (Stella Walsh); sister-in-law, Irene Price (the late George); as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Muriel was predeceased by her daughter, Dianne Baxter; son, David Baxter; and her brother, George Price.

There will be a visitation celebrating Muriel’s life at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424), on Saturday, November 30 from 2-6 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saint John Extra Mural Program; the ALS Society of New Brunswick/Nova Scotia; or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.brenansfh.com