Muriel Coldewey Passes Away

Muriel C. (Hoffman) Coldewey, a resident of Reading for 50 years, and Brooksby Village in Peabody since 2005, passed away on the evening of Feb. 2. She was 89.

She was the beloved wife of the late Edwin Coldewey, who predeceased her in 1987. She was the devoted mother of Susan Gerngross and her partner John Brenton of Lexington, and William Coldewey and his wife, Betsy of Reading. She was the loving grandmother of Daniel Coldewey of Medford, Andrea Barone and her husband, Stephen, of Danvers, Emily Gerngross of San Francisco, CA, and Anna Gerngross of Cambridge.

Muriel was born in Mount Vernon, NY, on December 1, 1929. She was the daughter of Charles and Muriel (Clark) Hoffman. She was very proud of her New York roots, having lived in White Plains, Hollis, Kew Gardens, and Hicksville. Muriel believed that Jones Beach, on Long Island, was “the best beach in the world”.

She graduated from the Brooklyn School of Nursing in 1951, and established the first school health room at an elementary school on Long Island. After marrying Edwin, and moving to Reading, Muriel became a stay-at-home mother, dedicated to caring for her family. Muriel was a very social personality, with a sharp wit and kind heart. She always looked for ways that she could help others, and had many dedicated, life-long friends. Muriel enjoyed many activities, and was especially adept at playing cards. She was a long time bridge, canasta and pinochle player. She enjoyed many hours playing rummy with her grandchildren.

Decorating for holidays, especially Halloween, listening to Christmas carols and hymns, bowling, square dancing and travel were some of the things that were enjoyable for Muriel. She was willing to try anything fun, and later in life learned to ski, and took part in an “annual sail” at the Quannapowitt Yacht Club. Muriel was an active traveler, both near and far. She loved to spend hours traveling the roads of New England. There were few back-roads not known to her.

Muriel loved all animals, but dogs held a special place in her heart. They loved her, and she loved them. Dogs walking by Muriel’s house would pull at their leashes to get to the front door. She always had a biscuit ready for them. Each birthday or special occasion would bring a bounty of dog-themed cards and gifts to Muriel.

Most of all, Muriel loved spending time with her family, and watching her grandchildren grow into adulthood. Her greatest wish was that they were happy in their lives. Muriel will be deeply missed.

Visiting hours will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.), Reading, on Tuesday, February 6 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Services and burial are private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Muriel’s memory to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA 01970-1738.