Obituary: Muriel Lucille Garlick, 96, formerly of Stratford

STRATFORD, CT - (From Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home) Our beautiful Muriel, beloved wife of Edward Earle Garlick Jr., passed away peacefully December 16, 2020 at the UVM Medical Center in Burlington Vermont with loving family and compassionate caregivers by her side.

Muriel lived her final years in Winooski VT at Our Lady of Providence assisted living having moved from CT to be closer to family.

She loved Vermont, having spent many years skiing the Vermont slopes with family and friends and when asked at age 95 if she would like to move to VT after her Ed passed, she eagerly answered YES with an enthusiastic grin.

Get those skis out!

Muriel was born in Stratford CT, the youngest of 3 sisters, to Edward and Etola Stowell.

She grew up in the Great Depression, remembering her mother cooking and delivering meals to neighbors who struggled more than they.

Muriel spent her childhood in Stratford and summers at their family cottage at Shady Rest in Sandy Hook. She met her lifelong friend, Edna Ward in the 6th grade, a friendship that began with ‘Thank You, You’re Welcome’ and which endured throughout their lives.

She loved ‘Slip’ as her sister and continued their conversations in her dreams each night after Slip passed on. A year later in 7th Grade she met Ed Garlick Jr, the schoolboy who was to become the love of her life.

Muriel was a cheerleader both in high school and in life, sang in the choir (Ed was president of the choir) and they were voted best dancers in their class. They both graduated from Stratford High School Class of ’42.

When Ed enlisted in the Army Air Corps to become Pilot of a B24 Liberator, Muriel decided to join the US Navy WAVES.

At age 19, she needed her mother’s permission to join, and when her Mother asked her why, Muriel answered, ‘There is a war going on, something bigger than all of us is happening and I want to be a part of it.’

She often said joining the WAVES was the best thing she ever did (aside from marrying her Ed of course). Muriel trained in boot camp at Hunter College in NYC.

She had a beautiful singing voice and was chosen to join the Singing Platoon, performing with James Melton on radio, and appearing with the Ray Charles Singers.

She was later stationed at Naval Headquarters in Washington DC, Communications, in the relay room, watching the news of the war around the world unfold. She often said she knew this was a special moment in history for the country and the world, and she wanted to remember it. She remembered and was honored to serve.

Once the war ended, Muriel and Ed were married in June 1946. As a pilot, Ed was discharged first and had to wait for Muriel to be discharged in May ’46. They were married June 8 1946 and were blessed to have 73 years together.

Theirs was a life of love, laughter, music, and adventures shared with so many wonderful friends and family.

They lived in Westport where Ed practiced law for 50 years with Sherwood & Garlick.

They were members of the Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport, returning to their First Congregational Church of Stratford after moving to Shelton when Ed retired.

They were members of the Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club for 32 years, sailing the coast of New England to Maine in their Apache 37; they skied together for 45 years, skiing most all of the ski areas in CT, NY, MA and Vermont.

With so many adventures came many stories – and Ed was a master storyteller. Ed was also a piano man, playing in bands during high school and college and continued to ‘bang the keys’ throughout his life. Muriel loved to hear him play piano and tell stories, listening in the background with a huge smile.

When Ed was no longer there to tell their stories, Muriel told them in her own voice, with her own unique perspective. She entertained her caregivers with stories and song, watching them leave for their rounds with smiles and giggles.

Muriel and Ed knew how to do ‘happy’. She greeted life with childlike enthusiasm. Her secret to long life? Laugh a lot and live with a song in your heart.

Muriel lived a full and loving life. She cherished her many friends and was blessed to have 73 years of marriage to her childhood sweetheart, the love of her life, her Ed, who no doubt was there to take her hand in loving eternity.

True to her Leo spirit, she was a fighter to the end, singing her Navy WAVE songs and Christmas carols. She loved fiercely all of her family and friends and was loved by all who knew her.

Muriel was predeceased by her beloved husband Ed; her dear sisters Lilian Zorn and Arlene Carrico; her parents Edward C and Etola Sandiford Stowell; and beloved nephews David Zorn and Pete Zorn.

Muriel is survived by her cousin George Stowell and wife Barbara, of Easton CT; her loving children, Edward E Garlick III and wife Bonnie, of Milford CT; daughter Susan L Janes and fiancé Richard Leger of Essex, VT; Jonathan C Garlick and wife Lucie of Anniston AL; 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and many beloved nephews and nieces.

Muriel is laid to rest by her husband’s side in Oak Lawn Cemetery, 1530 Bronson Rd, Fairfield, CT. To celebrate her life there will be a Military Ceremony graveside at Oak Lawn Cemetery (J11), Sat. July 31 at 11am, followed by a Memorial Service at 1pm at the First Congregational Church of Stratford, 2301 Main Street, Stratford.

All are welcome to gather with the family in the church after the service.

To offer the family online condolences, please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com.

For those desiring, contributions in Muriel’s name may be made to the First Congregational Church of Stratford, 2301 Main Street, Stratford CT 06615.