Gardner's Funeral Home.


Muriel M. Cundiff (Howarth) went peacefully on February 22, 2014 joining her beloved husband of 49 years, Gordon P. Cundiff, and leaving her legacy of 5 loving children and their spouses; Linda Cundiff, Anne Haughey, (Barry) Jonathan Cundiff, (Karen) Debra Lonsdale, (Stephen) and David Cundiff, (Kathy) her grandchildren; Robert, Kathryn, April, Amanda Rose, Alexander, Zachary, Ashley, Lindsay, Samantha, Michael, Victoria, and Kelly, five great-grandchildren, Ali, Kira, Ethan, Adam and Amelia.


She was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, and she and her sister, Eunice, (Howarth-Bentley) and a variety of cousins grew up together in nearby Swansea on a family farm by the sea. She loved to read, and also learned to play the piano quite well, and kept up her skills throughout her life. Singing around the piano together was the usual evening family entertainment, as was playing every known game of cards. She always joked that her family was a bunch of "card sharks", and that our Dad was "not one for card games". (In other words, she could usually beat him at every game they played.)


Muriel graduated high school at the top of her class, and was able to attend the Deaconess School of Nursing in Boston, where she became an RN, and later trained in an infection control specialty. The war was in full swing, and she soon volunteered as an Army Nurse. At the age of 23 with the rank of Second Lieutenant, she began her service on the US Army Hospital Ship Chateau Thierry, caring for the wounded and "shell shocked" soldiers during WWII from 1943-1945. Nineteen times she crossed the Atlantic Ocean to North Africa, Italy, France and England and back to America nursing her patients with skill and love. She received letters of thanks and praise from some of her former patients, who made it clear that her compassion when they were most vulnerable, had deeply touched their lives.



The long voyage days resulted in Muriel becoming a skilled ping-pong player, and a more self-confidant young woman. Admittedly shy, and always feeling tall and awkward, she was elected (albeit chauvinistically) as the ship's "Miss America" by the doctors and crew because she shared the same measurements as Miss America 1944.


By chance, on a summer day in August, 1944 while docked in Naples Harbor, Italy she met Gordon who was at the same pier supervising the offloading of supplies for the upcoming southern France invasion. He often told the story of looking up at the gang plank and being mesmerized at the sight of a bevy of nurses in shining white uniforms exiting their hospital ship for shore leave. He instructed his jeep driver to ask these nurses if they would accept a ride into Naples from the harbor. During the negotiations, he was immediately attracted to Muriel, and he made sure he sat next to her on their ride into town.


They both always delighted in telling their story of that chance meeting, that it was indeed love at first sight, and that they both "knew it" that night. That evening while overlooking the harbor from the balcony of the Blossom Club, listening to the sound of artillery in the distance, sharing their life's stories, they vowed to "stay in touch".


They married in 1947, after Gordon had established a new business venture and Muriel had completed her nursing obligation at a Chicago hospital. Their love story continued throughout their lives together and they were always deeply devoted to one another.

They first settled in Runnemede, NJ near Bellmawr where Gordon and his brothers had started an oil and gas station business together. (Which later became Cundiff Oil Company.)

At this time, Gordon was 32 years old and Muriel was 25. Since they both wanted to have a large family, they decided to get started immediately. Muriel gave birth to 6 children over the next 9 years; Linda Marie, Anne Blanche, Jonathan Gordon, Debra Elizabeth and David Eldridge. They raised 5 children after sadly losing one infant son, Jeffrey Warren in 1953. As their family grew they moved from Runnemede, to Hi Nella, to Delaware Township (later known as Cherry Hill Township) where, in 1956, the family of 6 with "one in the oven" moved into a big, white rancher on 2.5 acres of ground.


Muriel was a kind and giving daughter-in-law caring for her father-in-law (Eldridge Cundiff) who joined us in 1957, and lived with us until he passed away in 1967. Later, she provided home care for her mother, Anna Starita (Wahl-Howarth) who she lovingly cared for until her passing in 1972.


Muriel was the first woman deacon and elder elected to serve at the First Presbyterian Church of Somerdale. She also served as the president of the United Presbyterian Women's Association for two terms. She was for a time, very active in social reform programs related to her work as the Mission Committee chair, including participating in a literacy program for female inmates, and teaching the Sunday school children about the injustice of prejudice during the freedom marches of Martin Luther King.


She was always active in service to those in need, and selflessly cared for loved ones and friends throughout her life when illness entered their lives.


She later worked as the store nurse for Bamberger's Department Store (now Macy's) for 20 years in the Cherry Hill Mall.



After Linda & Anne married, she was thrilled to have (at that time) 4 beautiful grandchildren born into the family.

In 1979, she and Gordon began their semi-retirement as Florida "Snow Birds". They happily and completely retired to Sun City Center, Florida in 1983 after eventually building their dream house. During retirement, they travelled to Alaska, Hawaii, Australia/New Zealand, Russia, Scandinavia, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal and more.


She re-blossomed during those golden years exploring new hobbies and arts, becoming an active golfer, and learning to weave on a variety of looms. For a time, acquiring wool became her obsession! She was accepted into the Weavers Guild within a year of learning the skill, and made many dear friends during her years in Florida.


She treasured her visits with her children and grandchildren for the nearly 20 years she resided in Florida, and was thrilled when beginning in 1983 another 8 precious grandchildren arrived in rapid succession, whom she both adored and took great pleasure in spoiling.


When her best friend and beloved husband passed in 1997, she sorely missed and longed for him the remainder of her life. She, always independent, insisted on remaining in Florida until November 2003 when it became the appropriate time that she move closer to her family, as the majority were still living in New Jersey.


She moved into Brendenwood, Voorhees living there for 4 years, enjoying new friends, and day trips to Atlantic City with Debbie, until the "long goodbye" of Alzheimer's disease became more evident. The time came, after a series of falls and injuries, when it became a certainty that she needed to be in the care of her family who would ensure that she was well cared for.


In 2009, she moved in with her daughter Debra, son-in-law Steve, and her grandchildren Victoria (Tory) Alex and his girlfriend, Susie, who became part-time caregivers. Tory in particular provided bedtime care to her "Grammy" and they formed a very special bond.


Another gift to Muriel were her very special helping professionals, who came into her life, each one providing her dignity, comfort, humor, and love to the best of their ability. Twila Blake, Sandra Lamont, Jane Quinn, and Dee Harris--The Cundiff Family would like to thank you for all that you did for her. Your loving care and attention to her needs brought her comfort, as well as great comfort to her family.



Also we acknowledge and thank a dear family friend, Karen Pederson, RN, who took her out for ice-cream trips, shopping and to the movies as long as she was able. You gave "Mur" the gift of laughter and dignity, and she so enjoyed calling you her "nursing student" and friend.


In addition, we also extend our deepest thanks to Debbie and Steve's neighbors; Joe Quinn, Rob MacArthur and Eric & Jim Henderson for their generous help in emergencies like snow removal and assisting our mom when we needed their extra manpower. Also we thank neighbors, Claire Henderson, Kristin Bentley and Peggy Quinn who's concern and care for our mother and family were always a phone call away. Muriel's family cannot thank each one of you enough.


She is to be interned at Arlington National Cemetery with our father, Gordon, at a future date. Family and close friends will be notified once a date has been identified.


In lieu of flowers, we request that donations in her name be made to either the Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (Local Philadelphia Chapter) or to your favorite charity.

Muriel Marie Cundiff (Howarth)

8/27/21-2/22/14

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