Obituary of Muriel Leckburg

Muriel K. Leckburg, age 83, of Oakland formerly of Totowa Boro, died after a long and courageous battle with cancer on Monday April 13, 2020. Muriel was a graduate of Passaic Valley High School where she proudly served as "White Chief" and was recognized for her artistic, gymnastic, tumbling, cheerleading (Captain) and modern dance expertise. Muriel's yearbook highlighted - "A winning girl with a winning way" "Muesy" is noted as being talented, as well as popular, with interests centering around Sports, Girls Show, Valley Varieties, and Art Service Corps. Notably, she was ambitious about winning the girls shows with her artistry. Muriel's other focus was keeping everyone smiling, and to always be happy." Muriel was born to loving parents Lucy and Edward Mues on June 9, 1936. Muriel was the beloved wife of 54 years of Carl G. Leckburg who pre-deceased her suddenly in November of 2010. Loving mother of Carlyn G. and her husband Bill Walsh, Edward C. and his wife Gina M. Leckburg, Debra K. and her husband Jeff Keyser. Devoted grandmother of Jackie and Kevin Walsh, Cole and Jared Leckburg, and Alexa (and husband Rob) Keyser-Maxcy, and Brian Keyser. Dear sister of Madeline Senchak and Edward Mues. Loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. Amazing "true friend" to so many loving friends and peers. Throughout her life Muriel carried out her passion of working hard and making others happy. Prior to raising her children she worked for Curtis Wright (where she met and fell in love with Carl) and later in life enjoyed employment at Campgaw Ski Lodge in Mahwah, Meyer Brothers in Wayne, and as a school bus driver for the Oakland Public Schools. Muriel's favorite passion, however, was her work for many years as a Window Designer/Decorator for Alpha Jewelers in Oakland New Jersey, and Marquis Jewelers in Ramsey. Notably, one of her most proud accomplishments and "the most fun part of her life" was as a Costume Designer (for 10 plus years) for her granddaughter and many local dancers for which she won several judges awards. Muriel loved volunteering and was proud of her work at the Mother's Club of Oakland, Cheerleading Coach for the Oakland Recreation Department, and member of the Flow Follies Crew at Indian Hills High School for many years helping with the creative set designs for theatre productions. Muriel loved travel with her husband, family, and friends and enjoyed cruising to Alaska, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and visiting places creating such fun memories in Niagara Falls Canada, Park City Utah, Colorado, Washington DC, Myrtle Beach, Ocean City Maryland, California, Florida – Disney World, and her favorite place in the whole wide world summers at the Jersey Shore – Ocean Beach Unit III Lavallette NJ where Muriel enjoyed her little cottage by the sea with her family! Muriel was an avid tennis player, golfer, bowler, and Yankee fan! Muriel was known by all who loved her to be a "fierce competitor." In the activities noted above, and in her life, but especially in her final years, she attacked her cancer as if it were her opponent, and throughout her battle maintained her customary positive outlook and ultimately was only concerned for "how others were doing" and making them laugh with her stories! Muriel's steadfast resolve, kindness, and grace over her life is the legacy of love that she leaves to all of her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends! Muriel so loved everybody and everybody so loved Muriel! Her creative artistic talents, her enthusiasm, and commitment to family and friends were all embodied in her relationships and service. Truly, Muriel kept us all smiling and brought such joy and happiness to all…her life's goal! We will miss you, love you, cherish you, and hold you forever in our hearts. You will be our light and inspiration moving forward! Due to the unique circumstances of the time a private burial will be held for immediate family, and a celebration of Muriel's life will be held when we can all join together at a later date. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Muriel's favorite charity – St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905, www.stjude.org, or the charity of your choice.