Muriel Gill McGee
Jan. 20, 1928-April 1, 2024
Los Altos, California

Muriel Gill McGee of Los Altos, CA, died peacefully in her home on April 1, 2024, at the age of 96, from complications arising from a fall. Throughout several years of physical and mental decline, her sweet disposition and lovely smile never faltered.

Born in the City of Carlisle, Cumberland, England, on January 20, 1928, Muriel was the daughter of Joseph and Maria Jane Bulman, the first of four children. She attended schools in Carlisle, Malvern and Bristol University, where she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in History.

After working for several years at insurance and merchant banking firms in London, Muriel decided it was time to “see the world,” so she emigrated to Vancouver, Canada in 1959, where she worked for Standard Oil of British Columbia. She was active in the music and youth programs of the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral. She met friends at a Scottish dancing club, and in particular Hermann Wolter, an émigré from Germany working at UBC. In 1960 Hermann took a new job at SRI in Menlo Park, CA. Muriel’s plans to “see the world” were put on hold and she followed Hermann to Menlo Park, where she started working for Allstate Insurance. In March 1965 they were married at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Honolulu. They continued working in Menlo Park until retiring in 1994.

Hermann and Muriel shared a talent for making close friends, with whom they socialized and exercised by playing tennis and skiing. They shared an intellectual curiosity in history, and traveled frequently to Europe where they combined visits to historical sites and Hermann’s family and friends.

Hermann died in 2004 after a lengthy battle with illness. In 2007 Muriel was introduced to Bill McGee of Los Altos, a widower with whom she shared a great deal in common, including the similarity of their family backgrounds and education, and a strong desire not to continue their lives without a partner. Bill and Muriel were married in January, 2008. Muriel had a new family, and participated in Bill’s family vacations to England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Kenya, and Japan.

Muriel is survived by brothers Neville Bulman and Peter Bulman, along with his spouse Jenny Bulman, and numerous cousins and grand-nephews and nieces in England and Australia.

We mourn the loss of Muriel and reflect on her remarkable life and her legacy of love, kindness, and curiosity.