Obituary of Muriel H. Falkey
GREENVILLE – Muriel Hope Falkey, 103, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025 in Community Hospice at St. Peter’s Hospital.
Born in Manhattan on June 9, 1921, Muriel was a daughter of the late William and Frieda Harding. She was also predeceased by her best friend and loving husband, Leigh R. Falkey, and her sister, Doris (Joseph) Farrugia, whom she adored. Muriel loved her family and is survived by four generations of Falkey nieces and nephews. She was also an adopted “Aunt” to her lifelong friends, the MacTavish family, with whom she shared many memories.
Muriel loved learning, and dedicated her life to teaching, which continued after retirement. She earned her undergraduate degree from Hunter College, and her Master’s degree from the University at Albany. Muriel began her teaching career within the New York City School District, before moving upstate to Greenville Central School, where she taught Business Law, Advanced Accounting, and Typing until her retirement in 1976. She cherished her time at GCS and maintained many lifelong friendships with other retired teachers and former students.
Muriel married her husband Leigh in 1954. They had a zest for life and shared many interests in the arts, to include classical music and theater. Muriel and Leigh loved to be surrounded by nature, hiking and camping, and were world travelers with favorite destinations to China, New Zealand and Australia. They often traveled for Falkey family gatherings that were filled with joy and laughter, especially while playing cards and other games.
Muriel had a strong faith and was a life member of Christ Episcopal Church in Greenville. She held many roles at the church, always helping out wherever she was needed, and enjoyed singing in the choir. Muriel also enjoyed being a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
After the passing of their husbands, Muriel and Doris and their beloved cats divided their time between Greenville and Jacksonville Beach, FL. Muriel had a kind soul and made friends easily. Her strength, independence, and generosity to others made her a role model to all who knew her. Muriel also never said no to a bowl of ice cream. She will be remembered by her smile, laughter, and for teaching others how to make the world a brighter place.
A special thank you to the staff and residents of Peregrine Senior Living in Delmar for their care and friendship during Muriel’s final years. She was affectionately nicknamed the “Mayor” and faithfully attended morning exercise, movie night, as well as helped to organize the walking club.
Muriel graciously donated her body to the Albany Medical College Anatomical Gift Program. A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, June 23rd at 11 a.m. in Christ Episcopal Church, 11266 State Route 32, Greenville, with a reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208, or the Greenville Food Pantry, P.O. Box 631, Greenville, NY 12083. Condolence page is available at ajcunninghamfh.com.