On March 2, 2023, Lincoln Park lost one of its major supporters and its longest resident, Muriel Lobb, at the age of 105. Muriel moved to Lincoln Park from southwest Detroit with her family at age 4, shortly after the village of Lincoln Park’s incorporation in 1921, and lived her entire life in this community. Muriel was a true witness to history - and older than Lincoln Park itself, which celebrated its centennial in 2021, four years after she observed her own 100th birthday. Muriel had even outlived her life-long church, First Methodist Church of Lincoln Park, which closed its doors in 2016.
The Historical Society will be hosting a memorial-celebration of life reception for Muriel Lobb who served as the museum’s longest director until her retirement in 2014. The reception will be held here at the museum on Sunday, March 26th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. along with a special display in tribute to Muriel’s life.
Many of our long-time members have known Muriel well and are aware of her many decades of service to the museum and to the Lincoln Park community. Most folks also know that the Lobb family operates the Flowers by Lobb florist shop on Fort Street. The business was begun in 1929 by Clinton Knoch, Muriel’s father, who operated the shop until his retirement in the 1950s. At that time Ed Lobb, Muriel’s husband, became owner/operator, followed later by their son, Dan Lobb. Today, Flowers by Lobb is a fourth generation family business under owner and operator, Amy Lobb Larion, Muriel’s granddaughter.
The family has suggested that memorial gifts in Muriel's name be made to the "Lincoln Park Historical Society" or to any cancer organization of your choosing. While Muriel was blessed with living a long, robust and healthy life, she did outlive her three children - Dan, Jeanne and Ron - who were each felled by cancer.
We hope many of Muriel’s friends can join with us and members of her family to celebrate the life of this amazing woman. A Memorial Book, which will remain on view, will allow for memories and stories of Muriel's life and work that anyone might wish to share.
from left, Edwin Lobb, Clinton Knoch, Muriel Knoch Lobb, Olive Knoch, (woman unidentified at right), at Clinton Knoch Florist, in March of 1940