Gospel recording artist Margaret Holmes, right, greeted
Muriel Walker at her 100th birthday celebration last week.
TotalCare Home Care Provider on Dudley Street honored Muriel Walker as she celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday, Feb. 16. The celebration was held at the MLK Towers in Roxbury. Born in Cambridge in 1917, she has resided in Boston for over 90 years. She was one of five girls, the baby of her family and the only surviving sister. A graduate of Roxbury Memorial High School for Girls she went on to become an Assistant Dance Coach to Mildred Davenport.
Muriel has been a member of St. Mark Congregational Church in Dorchester for over 90 years where she has worn many hats, including as leader of both Girl Scouts and Campfire Girls team. Muriel sang in the choir until she was in her 80s then became a member of the Bell Choir and rang bells until the age of 99 years old.
“I recruited and taught youth at Vacation Bible School for many years,” she said.
In addition to spending time with her grand and great grandchildren she also enjoys vacationing with the family or cruising with her friends.
In honor of Muriel’s centennial birthday she received several citations, proclamations and resolutions from the offices of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Congressman Michael Capuano, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, Mayor Martin Walsh, City Councillor Tito Jackson as well as a musical performance by Gospel Recording Artist, Margaret Holmes.
“She’s a remarkable woman living independently at 100 years old,” said Darryl Smith, a spokesman for TotalCare, the home healthcare provider that has helped her maintain her independence. “She’s living the life most of us wish we could at that age.”
This article appeared in the Dorchester Reporter on February 3, 2017.