Obituary of Dale Lorraine Muir
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Dale Lorraine (Tuckey) Muir on April 23, 2021. Born on September 19, 1950, she was the daughter of Harry R. Tuckey and the late Orma (Crossman) Tuckey. Dale is survived by her partner David Thorne; her children Anthony of Ontario, John of Sussex, Kathleen (David) and Denise (Chris)of Fredericton; her brother Mike (Patsy) and sister Daphne (Dan); and several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, step children and step grandchildren. In addition to her mother, she was predeceased by her sister Linda.
Dale was born in Sussex amidst an extended period of ‘daily rain’ and consequently, this is how she got the name, Dale Lorraine. This likely could also explain her love of the rain and fascination with thunder storms. Dale grew up with her siblings in Eastern Passage, NS while her father served in the navy. In her teenage years, she moved to Belleisle where she laid down roots at her home next to her grandparents and raised her four children. She eventually settled in Mount Middleton where she has lived for the past 33 years.
Dale was always drawn to the beach, especially during storms where she could watch the waves – the bigger the better. She spent many weekends camping with her family at Martin Head, taking day trips to Saint Martins, and later in her life, camping at her trailer in Alma with David – these were definitely her happy places. Most people don’t enjoy camping in the rain but not her – she loved the sound of the rain on the tent and whenever it rained at home, she would regularly sit in the car just to listen to the wind and the sound of the rain drops hitting the roof.
Dale enjoyed gardening and absolutely loved flowers (especially sun flowers). Over the years, she and Kay shared many pictures with one another of their crab apple trees and various flowers that bloomed in their gardens. Any visit during the summer always included a tour of the yard where she would show off all her new flowers, vegetables or just so she could show how much her other plants and bushes grew since the year before. She inherited her green thumb from her father and would try to grow anything including a small patch of peanuts and several mushroom farms that she successfully grew in the basement. Just last week, she was talking about putting in a garden this year but wasn't sure what to plant.
Cocker spaniels were Dale’s favorite dogs (especially Rusty) but she also loved and cared for her ‘grand dogs’ on many occasions. She was the ultimate cat lover and would look after any that showed up on her door step, whether they were a friendly neighborhood cat or a stray. You could hear them ‘singing’ in the background while having a phone conversation with her or she would make sure you knew which one was which when you popped in for a visit. Her cats gave her much comfort and company over the years and she still talked about her most recent ‘cuddle buddy’, Tiny, in her last days.
On her way to visit family in Fredericton, she would often be late because she claimed there was a ‘big tiger paw’ that would drag her into Oromocto where she would always find some new treasures or great deals at ‘the Tiger’. Dale also loved thrift stores and yard sales where she would often find new additions for her ridiculously extensive platter and cook book collections. She rarely used the platters and generally just looked through the cook books but she still kept collecting, mainly to antagonize her kids as she often joked that they would inherit them someday.
She always had many bird feeders hanging in the yard and liked to watch the hummingbirds visit her feeders at the trailer. There was a cardinal that often visited her, and she would always brag every time he came around. She could name almost every type of bird and would watch them daily from her favorite spot in the kitchen while enjoying her cup of coffee.
Dale always enjoyed fishing and having a feed of brook trout with fresh fiddle heads. Her only way to fish was with a hook, line and sinker attached to an alder bush – not the ‘fancy’ fishing rods. She and John talked many times about going to Hynes’ Corner to try and snag a couple of trout for a feed.
Charley Pride was her favorite singer. A few years back, she was ecstatic to attend his concert in Moncton with Denise. Ever since, whenever his name was mentioned, she would always ask Denise when they were going again and often said that ‘he could eat crackers in her bed anytime’!
Dale had a generous and kind heart. She often would rummage through her cupboards to put together care packages for her kids or whoever else was in need. Her family was very important to her and she continued to provide support to them when she was able, even from afar and in failing health. She checked on them regularly and although she didn’t see them often, she always asked about the grandkids who lovingly knew her as ‘Bangy’ or ‘Grammy Dale’. Dale was loved immensely and will be sorely missed by her family and friends. ‘Big hugs’ Mom!
Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176). The graveside service will take place in Kirk Hill Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Dale, may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke or to a charity of your choice. Condolences to the family and donations may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com.
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