Aretta S. (Burr) Muir

Aretta S. B. Muir, 89, of Everett, PA died on Monday, September 9, 2024 at Victoria House at Springhouse Estates. She was born on November 8, 1934, in Westport, CT, a daughter of the late Morris Lyon and Catherine (Burr) Burr. On March 4, 1967 in Westport, CT, she married James D. Muir who survives along with the following family: a son James D. Muir Jr. and wife Melissa of Boerne, TX; a daughter Alison M. Keating and husband Mark of Altoona, PA; six grandchildren: Abigail, Eben, Anne, Thomas, John, and Margaret; and a brother Morris L Burr of Hampton, CT. She was preceded in death by a sister Mary J. B. Bolin, and a brother William H. Burr.

Aretta graduated in 1956 from the School of Home Economics at the University of Connecticut with a B.S. in Clothing, Textiles and Related Arts and a minor in Child Development. Her first employment was with Simplicity Pattern Company in New York City drafting instructional literature and line drawings for clothing patterns. In 1959 she moved to a position with Montgomery Ward, also in Manhattan, as a quality control analyst in children’s wear, and continued there through 1968. When she stepped away from her professional career to concentrate on family, and after relocating to Mendham, NJ in 1972, she became active in the Brookside Garden Club serving as President for several years. The family joined the Brookside Community Church where Aretta held the position of Deacon. She was a Girl Scout leader, a library volunteer and enthusiastically played recreational tennis. Later, as a member of the Mendham Presbyterian Church she served on the missions’ programs and other volunteer activities. She and James relocated to Bedford, Pennsylvania in 2020 where they associated with the Bedford Presbyterian Church and became active members of the Homewood at Spring House Estates community. Aretta loved turtles, was an avid knitter, a prolific letter writer, and had an incredible talent for not letting anything go to waste.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Bedford Presbyterian Church with Rev. Jack Miller officiating. A reception at the church will follow. Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be privately held with the immediate family. Arrangements by Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford. An online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.