Muriel Hargwood

Memorial Gifts and Gifts in Honor - VNA Health GroupMuriel Hargwood passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on July 5, 2026, at the age of 84.

Muriel was born on May 13, 1942, at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orange, New Jersey, to Osborn and Jane Wright. She was one of fourteen children and grew up surrounded by a large and loving family.

She attended Clifford J. Scott High School in East Orange and graduated in 1961. On April 30, 1966, she married the love of her life, Harold Hargwood Jr., at Calvary Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. They shared 44 wonderful years of marriage before Harold's passing in August 2010. Together they raised two children, Denise and Darryl.

Muriel dedicated her career to caring for others. She became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and worked at JFK Hospital before continuing her career at Roosevelt Nursing Home, where she remained until her retirement in 2004.

Muriel was known for her strong spirit, unwavering honesty, and generous heart. She never hesitated to speak her mind, but she was equally quick to lend a helping hand—or even her last dollar—to someone in need. Her greatest pride was her family. She worked countless overnight shifts at the nursing home yet still came home each morning to prepare breakfast and pack lunches before her children left for school. Afterward, she cared not only for her own children but also for many neighborhood children, made dinner for her family, grabbed a few hours of rest, and then returned to work to do it all again. Her tireless devotion and selflessness were an example of unconditional love.

When she found time for herself, Muriel enjoyed taking bus trips to the casinos in Atlantic City, shopping, and spending hours on the phone catching up with family and friends. She treasured those conversations and the connections she maintained throughout her life.

Muriel leaves behind her beloved children, Denise and Darryl (Pam); her cherished grandchildren, Derrick, (Caitlin), Jessica, Jordan, and Jeremy; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Noah, Emmett, Naomi, and Nylah. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Smith; her brother, Charles Wright; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Hargwood Jr.; her parents, Osborn and Jane Wright; and her siblings, Geraldine Frazier, Betty Onque, Dolores Frazer, Juanita Carpenter, Arthur Wright, Robert Wright, William Wright, Richard Wright, Roosevelt Wright, Roger Wright, and Marvin Wright.

A memorial service celebrating Muriel's life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in Metuchen, New Jersey.

Flowers are welcome. Those who wish may also honor Muriel's memory by making a memorial donation to the Robert Wood Johnson Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Hospice.