Muriel S. Canis

Age 94, a lifelong native of Elmira, NY died Monday, September 16, 2002 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center. She devoted herself to her family and a lifetime of optimism and service to her church and community. She was the wife of Elwin Canis whom she married in 1932. Muriel was born on September 1, 1908 to Wayne and Ona Mae (Bellows) Stevens and graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Thomas Jefferson Medical College Hospital in Philadelphia, PA in 1929. In addition to nursing, she helped her husband launch and manage a successful local auto parts business. Muriel was a deacon and elder at the First Presbyterian Church and chaired a number of committees, including the Congregational Life Committee. She chaired the scholarship program for Church Women United, which helps women in transition. For 15 years she served as Treasurer and Student/Family liaison for the local chapter of the American Field Service, bringing foreign high school students to Elmira; the Canis family hosted a yearlong exchange student from Finland. Muriel was a trustee of Thursday Morning Musicals. She was a loyal and enthusiastic member of the Daughter of the American Revolution and traced her family line back to two Mayflower passengers in 1620, having been admitted to the Society of Mayflower Descendants. For 11 years she and her husband served Meals on Wheels after their retirement as a way to translate love into action. For all these contributions, Muriel was awarded the Woman of Achievement Award in 1993 by the Women?s Organization of Chemung County. Survivors include: daughter and son-in-law, JoAnn and Richard Crandall of Boulder, CO; sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne and Betty Canis of Florence, AL; Bill and Susan Canis of Great Falls, VA; 6 beloved grandchildren and 1 great grandson, as well as sisters, Sibyl Box of Elmira, NY; Elaine Sheppard of Chambersburg, PA; and Marceil Brodict of Erie, PA; along with many cherished nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend Funeral Services on Thursday, September 19, 2002 in the First Presbyterian Church, 1054 West Clinton Street, Elmira, NY at 11:00 AM. The Reverend Betsey R. Crimmins will officiate. Interment will take place privately and at the family?s convenience in the Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be directed to the Iona Mission of the First Presbyterian Church or the DAR Scholarship Fund for Needy Students, c/o Barbara Ramsdell, 107 Orchard Hill Road, Elmira, NY 14903. A ?Candle of Memory? may be lit in Muriel?s name at www.olthof.com.