Muriel Evelyn Haglund

Celebrating the life of Muriel Evelyn Haglund (nee Baird). With a heart big enough to hold all those she loved, Muriel Evelyn Haglund left this world on September 14, 2024 at the remarkable age of 100 – the longest-lived in her family history. Born in Tacoma, Washington on April 17, 1924, Muriel was the second of seven children of Arverta and Alphylde Baird. She carried their spirit forward with grace and kindness. Muriel was a graduate of Stadium High School and Pacific Lutheran College (University) where she was magna cum laude and while a member of the Choir of the West, she met her future husband, Richard. At PLC, Muriel also took nurses training at Swedish Hospital Seattle and signed on with the U. S. Cadet Nurse Corps. After obtaining her bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1949, Muriel dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse (RN) at Tacoma hospitals, nursing homes, and finally at the American Lake VA hospital where she retired as a head nurse in 1981. Her career wasn’t just about handing out medications and checking vitals; it was about providing a safe harbor for her patients, a trait driven by her naturally kind, generous and considerate spirit. Although her achievements were many, Muriel preferred to stay modest. An avid gardener, she was well known for her beautiful dahlias which she grew at her home in Steilacoom, where she resided 72 years. She volunteered throughout her life, not only in her community, but also with national organizations such as the 96th Infantry Division Retirees Association. As a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church for over 70 years, Muriel shared her talents be it singing, sewing quilts for charity, or something else and her treasure. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life – whether it was agate hunting or the warmth of a family gathering. Muriel was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Richard, whom she proudly married May 20, 1949 and by her youngest son, Jon. She is survived by children Chris (Lee), Mark, Diane (Larry), Geraldine (John); grandchildren Phillip, Peter, Shelly (Phil), Matt (Tova), Mike, Laurel (Brandon), Michael (Lisa), Cheryl, Karen (Joe); great grandchildren Lily, Bennett, Colton, Iris, Archer, Roman, Gabriel; sister Jan and numerous nieces and nephews. Muriel’s life will be celebrated on September 30th at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 8602 Bridgeport Way S. W., Lakewood. While we gather to share memories, we remember a life filled with love for family, faith and community plus a legacy that will be passed down for generations. Muriel Evelyn Baird Haglund will be dearly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. In lieu of flowers, donations in Muriel’s name suggested to St. John’s Lutheran or Tacoma Rescue Mission (trm.org).