Muriel Markwick

MARKWICK - Muriel Therese Markwick, known also as Muriel Byl, died on March 19, at age 72, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease at MapleCreek home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 1937. Orphaned early in her life, she was brought to the United States by missionaries Clarence and Marge Van Ens, and she was lovingly taken in by the Vander Zaag family in Byron Center, Michigan. After receiving her Bachelor's degree at Calvin College (class of '61) in English Literature, Muriel went on to complete a Master's degree in English, at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (class of '68). A successful and loved teacher, she had a career for several decades. After inspiring students at Illiana Christian High School (Lansing, Illinois) through literature and theater, she worked at the CRC Lighthouse Mission in Toronto, Canada. She went on to teach senior citizens at many places including Coventry Woods in Grand Rapids, and later she tutored Hispanic immigrants in her constant effort to spread her love of the English language. Even up until her death, Muriel still received letters and notes from former students thanking her for her inspirational teaching. Muriel's persevering and profound faith in Christ was known, respected, and admired by all who knew her. In her church life, she attended Brookside Christian Reformed Church (Grand Rapids), Zion Reformed Church (Grandville), and Fellowship Christian Reformed Church (Grandville). Muriel was a deeply strong and loving mother who raised her three sons amidst many hardships. As a person she was humble and thoughtful. An avid believer in the arts and poetry, and she strongly encouraged her sons to pursue their creative talents. She was a lover of the natural world, yet she was also a rebel, driving a gun-metal blue mustang with her Jackie-O sunglasses and dodging the traffic police in her days in Chicago. A wonderfully creative woman, Muriel often taught her classes in poetic rhythm, and she wrote endless lines of poetry and profound observations on life and death, only stopping as Alzheimer's disease overtook her. Muriel is survived by her three sons, Michael Markwick, an internationally-exhibited artist; Jeremy Byl, a loving family man and Army veteran; and Brendon Byl, a musician, linguist, and sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. She also leaves behind three daughters-in-law, five grandchildren; her brother, Tony Markwick; her two foster sisters, Lavonne Vandenberg and Betty Mustert; and her former husband, Maarten Byl. The family would like to sincerely thank all those who were so supportive of Muriel throughout her life, but especially through her last days. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the MapleCreek Home in thanks for their heart-felt care for her. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 27, at 3:00 at MapleCreek home on 32nd Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan (616-452-5900). Visitation with her family will take place from 4:00 to 6:00, after the memorial service. Arrangements by: Memorial Alternatives 2432 Fuller NE, 363-3700 www.memorialalternatives.com