Muriel Martin, age 91, passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021. She was born in New Brunswick to Muriel Alma Thatcher and Neal Jacobus Earle. She was married to John Ricci and then to John “Red” Martin. She is preceded in her death by her parents, her previous husbands and her brother Herb Rakebrand. Muriel is survived by her brother Donald Rakebrand and three children, John Ricci, Connie Burns and Anthony Ricci and their spouses, Terry, Kevin and Linda. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-children Anastasia; Dorothy and her husband Jeff Anesh with their children Savannah and Scarlett; Kenny Burns; Alaina and her husband Arsenio Perez with their children Kendall and Ariana; Steven Gitlin and his wife Lauren with their children Vincent and Gianna.

Muriel worked as a Home Care Helper for many years and loved helping others. She was very close to her cousin Susan Kleber and Judy Zanon. Susie was more than a cousin, she was always there for Muriel, whether socially or whenever Muriel needed any help regarding doctor’s appointments, shopping and plainly having fun. Susie was more like a sister than a cousin.

Muriel loved her granddaughter Dorothy immensely – she was the apple of her eye. Muriel played a significant part in Dorothy’s upbringing and took great pride in watching her dance at countless recitals and competitions throughout the years. They shared a very special bond.

Muriel will always be remembered for her strong faith in God, love for her family and her friends which are all things that she cherished the most in her life. Some of her favorite things to do were summers at Seaside Heights, old movies and old-time movie stars. She also enjoyed driving with her daughter listening to oldies and eating out at diners. Muriel was a great story-teller and we all loved listening to her tales. She will be sorely missed.

All funeral services are private under the direction of the Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home, 15 Cherry Lane, Parlin, NJ.