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(8/ 10/2001) <br />Search Recent Articles <br />� __ �a�: <br />Nj�,G,g„„,,,�,g,�,�, 0 p t i o n s <br />conta�c us <br />Newspa_per Subscription_s <br />Terms and Conditions <br />� Newspapers In Education <br />H21p <br />,� News Archives <br />Feedback _ <br />Advertisinq Information <br />Internship inform ation <br />Back to Top <br />Several who knew Muriel Sahlin painted a picture of an <br />outgoing woman with a zest for life, stilled but not extinguished <br />some years ago when rheumatoid arthritis forced her into a <br />wheelchair. <br />"She was a wonderful woman," said sister-in-law Helen Sahlin <br />of Minneapolis. "She was very generous. She was the kind of <br />woman who used to slip a college kid a$20 bill at Christmas," <br />she said. <br />Muriel Sahlin spent years caring for her ill husband. The couple <br />had no children. Family members thought their wealth came <br />from wise stock inv estments, Sahlin said. <br />"She was fun to be around, and she enjoyed going out," said <br />Regula Akenji, a home health aide and companion who lived <br />with Sahlin in her home on Hand Avenue for three years, <br />making the Swedish woman the potatoes and pies she loved and <br />helping her make rosette sweets at Christmas. <br />Akenji often drove Sahlin by the parks "to see the flowers and <br />trees and hear the birds." <br />"She' d like for us to drive her past the parks," especially the <br />arboretum, agreed Betty Peterson, a friend for 35 years or more <br />since the two met at Swedish language classes. <br />The parks may have provided inspiration, as well, for Sahlin's <br />craft. She painted fruits and flowers on china plates and vases. <br />Muriel Sahlin enjoyed playing cards and listening to patriotic <br />songs. She lived modestly. <br />"It's just wonderful. It took everyone by surprise," said Bob <br />Matson, Central Park Foundation board member and treasurer. <br />Matson said the board and the city are talking about uses for the <br />money. <br />Sahlin's donation surprised many, but not all. <br />"It sounds like her," Helen Sahlin said when she heard of Muriel <br />Sahlin's gift. <br />Cynthia Bayd can be reached at ebo�,(ct��toneej•press. corn or <br />(651) 228-2116. <br />� 2001 PioneerPlanet 1 St. Paul (Minnesota) Pioneer Press / TwinCities.com- All Rights Reserved <br />Co�yrl,Aht information <br />Page 2 of 2 <br />http://www.pioneerplanet.com/seven-days/fri/news/docs/106857.htm 8/31/O1 <br />