Muriel Maude Shorrock (née Parker)

Muriel Maude Shorrock (née Parker) was born to Arnold and Maude Parker of Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors on 18 September 1924. Muriel’s life would be defined by her devotion to family and to the community.

Later in life Muriel would recall memories of a happy loving childhood attending St James’ School, Clayton, working as a teenager during the war years at the Whalley Road Post Office and subsequently at Cookson’s dental practice in Accrington. She became involved in amateur dramatics through All Saints church in Clayton and it was this that would lead her to meet the love of her life Robert (Bob) Shorrock following his return from India in 1946.  Muriel and Bob married in 1949 and their love affair would last through to his death in 1996.

Muriel gave birth to their first child, Jonathan, in 1953 with Philip arriving in 1955 and Adam in 1963. During this time Muriel was completely devoted to motherhood and it was not until Adam was settled in secondary school that she returned, part-time, to the workplace spending many fulfilling years as an assistant in the Physiotherapy Department of Accrington Victoria Hospital.

Throughout this time Muriel remained active in the community most notable being her involvement with the All Saints Mothers’ Union, the NSPCC and the RNLI. Later, she joined the Diocesan Needleworkers’ Guild contributing to the creation of numerous pieces that will serve in some small way as a lasting memorial at All Saints and Blackburn Cathedral. 

Muriel died peacefully at the Royal Blackburn Hospital on 29 August 2018 following a very short illness having achieved her greatest wish, to live in her own home to the very end.  She will be deeply missed.

Family flowers only.  Donations may be made in memory of Muriel to NSPCC.