ROGGENSACK, Muriel

ROGGENSACK, Muriel Anne 1949-2025 Muriel Ann Roggensack of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side on Friday, April 4, 2025 at the age of 75 years, after a sudden and brief illness.

Muriel was born in Taber, AB, the second daughter of Wallace and Lina Phillips. She grew up in Foremost, AB, where she made many lifelong friends. Muriel loved playing basketball and sewing clothes, and her many colourful small-town experiences formed a curious, mischievous, and fun-loving character. In 1967, she entered the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, AB. It was there that she embraced two loves that shaped the rest of her life – her career as a physiotherapist, and a young engineering student who became her husband. Muriel and Bill were married in 1970, a few months after they both completed their undergraduate studies. Muriel then began her professional career, while Bill entered graduate school. For the next five years, Muriel supported him in his studies. Muriel graduated in 1970 with a Diploma in Rehabilitation Medicine and worked at the Misericordia Hospital as a physiotherapist. With her natural management and people skills, she soon became department head there.

In 1977, their first baby joined the family. Anne introduced the young couple to the joys of parenthood. Muriel continued working until the arrival of their second child, John, in 1980, when she took a longer break from work to focus on her role as mother. At that time, Bill was travelling extensively on business, with many projects in the Arctic and was often away for extended times. Muriel shouldered the demands of being a single parent during those absences with her usual aplomb. Meanwhile, she continued her studies part time, earning a B.Sc. in Physical Therapy in 1980. Muriel resumed her career in 1985 as a planning consultant, working on program design for several new regional hospitals. She was involved in the early development of what became the Alberta Aids to Daily Living program, later leading AADL as Program Manager, a job she dearly loved. In 2007, Muriel completed an Alberta Public Service Management Development Program at the University of Alberta School of Business. She retired from government service in 2011.

Muriel was a longtime active member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta. She was President of the College in 1985 when legislation was enacted to establish professional self-governance and protection of the public. During her two-decade career with AADL, she became an authority on the provision of equipment to enable people with disabilities to enjoy quality of life and independence. With her expertise, she assisted other provincial jurisdictions in their efforts to set up similar programs.

Muriel always felt she lived a charmed life. She had children who made her proud, grandchildren she adored, and a loyal and loving partner who stayed by her side for 55 years. Muriel and Bill travelled together to many places in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Europe, China, and Africa. Their favourite travel experiences were annual visits to Tofino, BC, and meandering road trips with no particular destination in mind – discovering off-the-beaten-track places, exploring the work of local artisans, and (as she often put it) “supporting the local economy.” Muriel consistently volunteered her time in support of her community and was a beloved Girl Guide Leader. She was an enthusiastic hobbyist, becoming proficient at everything from sewing and doll-making, to scrapbooking and glass lampworking. She was an avid supporter of the arts, frequently enjoying live music and theatre. Above all, Muriel loved to play Scrabble and will be remembered by many as a formidable opponent.

For Muriel, a woman of consequence and great integrity, family always came first. She was our nurturing and charismatic matriarch, always bringing our family together, upholding (and creating) family traditions, and graciously hosting family occasions and many a memorable dinner party. She was everything a mother should be, and will be remembered as a loving grandmother, a devoted wife, a good neighbour, and a loyal friend with unending generosity to all.

Muriel is lovingly remembered by her husband Bill; her children Anne (Doug) and John (Susan); her grandchildren Sophia, Maren, Jana, and Julia; and her sister Elaine (Roger). She was loved and respected by many. Her calm and quiet support, sparkling eyes, and warm smile will be sorely missed.

A private Celebration of Life will be held later this spring, her favourite time of year.

Muriel has asked that friends and family honour her memory by actively supporting the arts – go hear live music, attend a play, visit an art gallery, or purchase a unique creation. Be sure to then share that artist’s work with others – Muriel loved to spread the word about art she loved.