In the autumn of one's life, many must decide where they will be in the winter — in their own home, living with relatives or in aged care facilities.
In 2016, 90-year-old Muriel Andrea decided to stay in her home in Perrin St, Seymour, with support from her family, friends and local services.
Muriel did not regret deciding to stay in “her castle”, her home of 67 years until 2019, when it had to be sold after her son Gary died.
She moved in with her daughter Elaine and lived comfortably.
On Sunday, February 15, 2026, Muriel passed away peacefully after a short stay at the Seymour hospital.
She was just shy of her 100th birthday in June.
Muriel was a gracious Christian lady, which many people of the local Anglican Church know.
At the age of 99, she was the eldest parishioner at Christ Church, Seymour, and was the oldest and longest-serving member of the worldwide Mother’s Union organisation, having been a member of the local branch for 66 years.
On March 25, 2025 at the Lady Day service at St John’s Nagambie, she was presented with a long service badge and certificate for more than 60 years of service.
Muriel was born in Shepparton to parents Herbert and Lillian Baker on June 19, 1926.
The family moved to Seymour when she was a child.
She first attended State School 547 in Tallarook St and then Seymour High School in Loco St.
After completing her education, Muriel worked at the refreshment rooms at Seymour station.
Through attending dances, her mother Lillian planned for Muriel to meet Christian Harold “Merv” Andrea, who later became her husband.
They married at Christ Church in 1946.
Muriel worked for a number of years as a domestic at the old and then the new memorial hospital.
She also worked at the steam laundry in Wimble St, where sheets and blankets for the army were washed.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Muriel and Merv, both devout Christians, were connected with many church programs and activities.
Muriel and Merv had six children: Elaine, Graham (deceased), Robyn (deceased), Gary (deceased), Kelvin and Christopher (deceased).
They had eight grandchildren and some great-grandchildren.
Muriel's funeral was held at Anglican Christ Church Seymour on Wednesday, February 25, with members of her family, friends and the local community in attendance.
Reverend Andre Du Plooy led the Communion service and a couple of Muriel’s favourite hymns were included in the ceremony.
Christ Church parishioner David Watson presented a eulogy for his dear friend and parish members Peter and Anne Foote gave the Psalm and prayers.
Following the burial service at the Seymour cemetery, refreshments and fellowship was shared at the Seymour Bowling Club.
In his eulogy, Mr Watson described Muriel as always smartly groomed and dressed, wearing beautiful jewellery.
“How do we sum up Muriel?” he said.
“Hospitable, generous, busy, friendly, modest and unassuming, but at the same time, feisty, stubborn and strong-willed.
“She was all those things, and we shall all greatly miss her.”
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