Muriel Estella Bockelman

Muriel O’Beirne Bockelman, 93, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2017.  She was born on October 9, 1924, in Newport, South Wales, Great Britain, to Ivor and Alice Richards.  After World War II, Muriel wed Carroll O’Beirne with whom she had three children: Jackie, Pauline and John.  In 1953, they immigrated to Galveston, Texas, where Carroll (“Irish”) worked for American Oil in Texas City and Muriel worked for St. Mary’s Hospital.

Following Carroll’s death in 1987, Muriel was incredibly lucky to find love again. In 1989, she married Raymond Bockelman of Galveston, Texas, where they would reside for nearly 20 years.  Following the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, they relocated to The Forum in The Woodlands to be closer to Muriel’s daughter, Jackie.

Muriel enjoyed knitting, gardening, shopping and traveling, and returned “home” to Great Britain whenever possible. She enjoyed lunching with the ladies of The Forum and took tremendous joy from her weekly outings with her close friend, Eliana.  Sundays were spent with her daughter, Jackie, and son-in-law, Tom.  She absolutely adored her great grandchildren, Jackson and Isabella, and treasured her time with them.

Muriel was preceded in death by her son, John O’Beirne, in 1971; her daughter, Pauline O’Beirne Thornton, in 1987, her husband, Raymond Bockelman, in 2010, and stepdaughter, Sylvia Bockelman Quinn, in 2016.

Muriel is survived by her daughter, Jackie Martini, and husband, Tom; her grandchildren, Michael Martini and wife, Jennifer, John Martini and Tracy Thornton; greatgrandchildren, Jackson and Isabella Martini; stepson, John Bockelman and wife, Debby; and step grandchildren, Kyle and Nicholas Bockelman.

A special thanks to her many long-time friends, including Alma McLendon, Emma Jean Phillips and Gloria Lemon, and to her godchild, Andrea Gould, and her family, with whom she spent many joyous holidays.

Muriel’s family and friends will receive visitors from 5:00 until 8:00 pm, Thursday, November 16th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home with a service celebrating Muriel’s life beginning at 6:30 pm. Graveside services will be Friday, November 17th, at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 10:30 a.m.