Muriel Ann Swendsen, 83 Westbrook – Heaven just got better as Muriel Ann Swendsen was called home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on July 23, 2014. To paraphrase the words of C.H. Spurgeon, As surely as Muriel was God's child, so surely all her trials have ended. Her head shall wear the crown of glory, and her hand of labor shall grasp the palm-branch of victory. She is now where there shall be neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain. The chariots of fire have ushered her over to the glorified with an everlasting song upon her lip. The portals of heaven have opened wide the gate as Muriel has now entered into rest and nothing can divide her from His love. Born on November 24, 1930 to Earl and Mary Shaw in Westbrook where she attended school and resided her entire life. She married Donald L. Swendsen on August 29, 1953 and enjoyed sixty wonderful years as both a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Muriel spent 31 of those years employed by the Westbrook School Department working as an administrative assistant before retiring in 1998. She also was a member of and regular attendant of the Spring Hill Gospel Hall for her entire adult life. Besides her husband, Donald, Muriel is survived by a brother, David Shaw of Limington, Me.; two daughters, Ruth Reny and her husband Bruce of Westbrook, Me.; Sharon Bernier and husband Dick of Standish, Me.; and a son, Stephen Swendsen and his wife, Cyndi of Gorham, Me.; along with four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be on Friday, August 1, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church Street, Westbrook, Me. A celebration of Muriel's life will be on Saturday, August 2, at 10 a.m. at Spring Hill Gospel Hall, 225 Spring Street,Westbrook, Me. Burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Westbrook, Me. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to: Westbrook Animal Refuge League, 449 Stroudwater Street, Westbrook, Me. 04092