Obituary of Muriel Haley

Muriel “Boots” Genevieve (MacPhail) Haley

On September 19, 1940 on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, a little ball of fire named Muriel Genevieve MacPhail entered the world. Later known and loved as “Boots,” she carried that fiery spirit, infectious laughter, and zest for life for more than 85 years. On June 7, 2026, in her 86^th year, Muriel went home to be with her Saviour, Jesus Christ, while residing at Briargate Retirement Residence.

Muriel was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert Haley; her sister Cheryl MacDonald, and brother-in-law Blaine MacDonald; and her brother Ken MacPhail.

She was the loving mother to Eryn Morton and grandmother to Kenneth Clarkson and Kristina Haley. Muriel is also survived by her brothers Jack, Colin (Betty), William (Jan) and John (Kim) MacPhail; sister in  law Norma; and Uncle Walter MacPhail (Marcella). She will also be missed by her brothers- in-law, Elmor (Anne) and George (Dianne) Haley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great- nieces and nephews, and cousins. She will especially be missed by her dear friends, Karen Thompson and Mark Ewing, and by her Shiloh Community Church family.

Muriel was an incredible athlete, excelling as a pro golfer and fastball pitcher. As a golf pro, she loved to share tips to improve someone’s game, even during her recent hospitalizations. Boots, or “Bootsie” as she was affectionately known, had that twinkle in her eye and incredible, unforgettable laugh that filled every room with fun and joy. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

The family extends sincere thanks to St. Elizabeth’s for their incredible and consistent care; Dr. Robyn Jackson at the Kingston Heart Clinic; Dr. Ronald Goldstien and Dr. Hasan Jameel at Loyalist Family Health Team; and the dedicated medical team at Kingston Health Sciences Centre for their ongoing care and support.

Boots’ life will be celebrated with a visitation from 6 – 8 pm on Wednesday, June 17, and again from 1 – 2pm on Thursday, June 18, followed by Celebration of Life at 2 pm.  All services will be held at Kingston West Free Methodist Church, 1575 Woodbine Road, Kingston, ON K7P 2V8. A luncheon will be held at Kingston West, following  the internment at Cataraqui Cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shiloh Community Church via e-transfer shilohseeleysbay@gmail.com, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or SE Health (St. Elizabeth’s).