Muriel Evelyn Layn

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Muriel Marsette Layn, who departed this life peacefully on June 27, 2024, at the age of 84.

Born to Edmund Marsette and Erma Bryant Marsette on February 27, 1940, she spent her formative years in the picturesque state of Vermont alongside her three siblings: Edmund Marsette Jr., Lynn Marsette McCarthy, and Robert (Bob) Marsette, with Bob being the sole survivor, residing in Brandon, VT.

Our mother's life was dedicated to the happiness and well-being of her family. As a devoted mother of three children and grandmother of seven, she found her greatest fulfillment in nurturing and guiding us. Her unwavering love and kindness were the cornerstones of her existence, and she embraced motherhood with a grace and devotion that touched the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Her daughter, Michelle Layn Ouansafi, and husband Hakim Ouansafi reside in Honolulu, HI, with their three children: Daniel, Courtney, and Brandon. Her sons, Greg Layn and wife Marci Layn, along with Jeff Layn and wife Jill Layn, both reside in Lewisville, TX. Greg and Marci have two children, Logan and Bryce, while Jeff and Jill have two children, Jordan and Eric.

Mom was a beacon of love and warmth, always placing the needs of her family above her own. Her journey took her from the Green Mountains of Vermont to the Lone Star state of Texas, following her boys 18 years ago to ensure that their lives and those of their children were filled with love and support. Her selflessness and gentle spirit were a testament to her character, never asking for much in return.

As we reflect on the journey of our lives, there is a guiding light that has been constant and unwavering—the love and sacrifice our mother poured into raising us children. Words often fall short in capturing the depth of gratitude we feel, but we hope this obituary serves as a testament to the profound impact she had on all our lives.

From the very beginning, she embraced motherhood with a dedication that knew no bounds. So many of us spend our life searching for our purpose, why we were created, but our mother never had to do this, she always knew her purpose and that was being a loving mother to the three of us. Moms’ days were marked not by leisure, but by selflessness—waking before dawn to ensure we were clothed and fed, comforting us through tears and fears, and teaching us with patience and wisdom. Her love was a steady presence, a fortress of strength that shielded us from life's storms.

Through every triumph and stumble, she was there, cheering us on or lifting us up when we faltered. Her sacrifices were countless, often unseen, yet they formed the bedrock upon which our lives were built. She gave up her dreams and aspirations so that ours could take flight. Her own needs took a backseat to ours; her desires became secondary to our happiness. Her hands worked tirelessly and her heart beat endlessly for us until it became too tired to continue.

Her love and unwavering devotion weren’t just about meeting our physical needs; it was about nurturing our spirits. She instilled in us values of kindness, resilience, and integrity. She taught us to be compassionate and understanding, to see the good in others, and to strive for excellence in all we do. One of her most fervent passions was her deep love for sports, encompassing all disciplines. As a young girl, she actively played various sports, and though she didn't continue participating physically, she became an avid fan of baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and soccer. She instilled this passion in all three of us, using sports to impart invaluable life lessons: discipline, leadership, hard work, teamwork, time management, mental fortitude, goal setting, perseverance, and the importance of continual improvement whenever we ventured into something new. Her lessons weren't just in words but in actions—her own life a living example of what it means to love unconditionally and to give generously.

Today, as I look at my siblings and see the remarkable individuals they have become, I realize the magnitude of her influence. Her sacrifices have borne fruit in the form of three siblings who carry her teachings forward, who strive to make her proud with every step we take.

She was the heart of our family—the quiet force that held us together through the years. Her love has shaped us, molded us into the people we are today. And though words may never suffice, we want the world to know that our love and appreciation for her and what she did for us is without end. We celebrate the life of our mother and give thanks for her love and sacrifice and her unwavering devotion to the purpose of raising us.

She was our hero, our role model, and our greatest blessing. Living life without her will be difficult, but we will use the gifts she gave us to persevere and continue with the legacy she created.

In her final days, our mother did not suffer, passing peacefully and surrounded by the love she so freely gave throughout her life. Her legacy is one of kindness, compassion, and steadfast dedication to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire and uplift us all.

As we mourn her loss, we find solace in the memories we shared with her. Our mother's spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched, a lasting reminder of the beauty of a life well-lived. Maya Angelou so poignantly said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” and our mother made us feel profoundly loved for which we will be forever grateful.

“To God we belong and to Him we shall return.” We will be bringing our mother home to rest in the beautiful state of Vermont on September 14th, 2024. We will have a graveside memorial at Pine Hill Cemetery in Brandon, VT at 11 AM, followed by a Celebration of her Life at the Brandon Inn at 12 PM.

May she rest in peace…she will be forever missed and always remembered.