Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Murina Bauer announces her passing at the age of 90 years from complications following admission to hospital for a non-life-threatening fall.
Born prematurely, Murina was not expected to live. Instead, she survived her entire family of 7 brothers/sisters, an act exemplary of her incredible will and indomitable positive spirit. Born in Winnipeg, she attended Normal School, becoming a gifted teacher. Subsequently, her love of learning lead to philosophy of education graduate studies at the University of Chicago where, in additional to studying to obtain a Ph.D. (a rare thing for women at the time), she met her husband, Milt Bauer. Moving to Edmonton, Murina and Milt taught at the University of Alberta for many years; Milt predeceased her in 1980.
Murina�s sharp mind, love of books, broad talents, and inquisitive nature found many avenues for expression. Murina was an exceptional cook, introducing family and friends to many wonderful ethnic foods. Her natural curiosity engendered participation in one of Edmonton�s first yoga classes. One of Murina�s many talents was her great ability to put people at ease socially. As well, her ability to look inside a person and select just the right gift to suit the person/occasion was a constant source of marvel, earning her the title of �Wayne Gretzky of presents� from a family friend. Murina was also a community activist, helping to prepare and present a significant brief on education to the Alberta government in the 1970�s. In the late 1980�s, she was a founding member of the 114 St. Coalition and, ultimately, a named litigant in the Coalition�s successful fight to quash city plans for poorly conceived urban road expansion. Further, she was a member of the Canadian Federation of University Women � Edmonton, serving on, and chairing, several local and national level committees, as well as co-authoring ��By Degrees�, a History of the of the Canadian Federation of University Women - Edmonton�.
Murina is survived by her son, Will Bauer, his wife Therese Gaetz, and one granddaughter, Odessa Bauer, as well as many nieces/ nephews.
A Funeral Service celebrating Murina�s life will be held April 5, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Strathcona Presbyterian Church, 8116-105 Street, Edmonton. A fellowship luncheon will follow, with interment after.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).
