Miriam Williams

Miriam Jennifer Williams (née Daniel) June 9, 1950 - July 2, 2025

Miriam passed away peacefully on July 2nd surrounded by her family.

Miriam is survived by her loving husband Al, daughters Laura (Curtis) and Sarah (Mike), grandchildren Connor and Charlotte, sisters Susan (Al) and Catherine (Eric, predeceased), sister-in-law Suzanne, brother-in-law Garry (Gail) and many extended relatives and dear friends.

Born in Calgary to Donald Daniel (predeceased, 1972) and Norah Clarke (predeceased, 2018) Miriam lived a life full of joy, love, laughter and adventure.

Miriam grew up mostly in Burnaby, BC. She attended BCIT where she studied Hotel and Restaurant Management and met a group of wonderful lifelong friends who later introduced her to her husband Al. Marrying in 1972, Miriam and Al spent their early years together traveling and establishing their careers.

Miriam and Al welcomed two daughters and settled their young family in Port Moody. As a young working mom Miriam returned to school to obtain her CMA certification, working with several organizations throughout her career. She instilled her hard working nature and strong work ethic into her daughters and both went on to pursue a career in health care.

Miriam’s love of reading brought her to start a book club with a neighbourhood friend in 1984, a group that grew over time to 12 members and continues to meet. Miriam’s warm, kind nature and generosity of spirit brought so many people into her inner circle and she was blessed to have a number of close friends. If you knew Mimi, you were family.

After retiring, Miriam and Al spent a lot of time adventuring around the world, traveling to Mexico every winter, as well as trips to India, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, a Danube River cruise, Ireland, China, Cuba, New York and trips to Ontario to visit her daughters and grandchildren. Miriam and Al also joined a few cruises traveling twice to Alaska and once through the Panama Canal. She also loved to travel locally with a particular fondness for the Williams family cottage on Mayne Island where she could frequently be found enjoying a good book or having fish and chips and a glass of red wine on the deck of the Springwater Lodge while watching the ferries come through Active Pass. Miriam and Al also spent many summers cruising around the southern coast on their sailboat. Miriam’s zest for life and willingness to try anything made her a perfect travel companion and she came back from each trip with so many stories and special memories.

Miriam had an appreciation and love of the arts; she loved to visit museums and galleries and collected artwork from around the world. Miriam felt happiest in her garden which she cultivated with care over the 43 years she and Al shared their home. She passed this joy onto her grandchildren who have spent many hours with Mimi in the garden.

Miriam was truly a bright light in the lives of those around her, she had a smile and a laugh that would light up a room. Everyone will remember Miriam’s ‘mental hugs’, and the love she had for her family and friends. She will be so dearly missed by everyone.

Our most heartfelt thanks to the staff on 5S at Royal Columbian Hospital who cared for Miriam in her final days, and the staff at Cartier House who cared for her in her final year. Our deepest gratitude to all the healthcare workers who helped look after Miriam throughout her life and particularly in the last five years.

A celebration of life will be held on September 6th. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Miriam's memory.