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Aretta S. B. Muir, 89, of Everett, died Monday at Victoria House at Springhouse Estates. She was born in Westport, Conn., a daughter of the late Morris Lyon and Catherine (Burr) Burr.
On March 4, 1967, in Westport, Conn., she married James D. Muir, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, James D. Muir Jr. (Melissa) of Boerne, Texas; a daughter, Alison M. Keating (Mark) of Altoona; six grandchildren: Abigail, Eben, Anne, Thomas, John and Margaret; and a brother, Morris L. Burr of Hampton, Conn.
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 Co. 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, N.J., in 1972, she became active in the Brookside Garden Club, serving as president for several years. The family joined 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 Mendham Presbyterian Church, she served on the missions' programs and other volunteer activities. She and James relocated to Bedford in 2020, where they associated with 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.
Friends will be received from noon until the 1 p.m. memorial service Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at Bedford Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Jack Miller officiating. A reception at the church will follow.
Burial will be privately held with the immediate family.
Arrangements are by Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, Bedford.
An online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.