Obituary of Muriel E. Carpenter

In New Haven, Feb. 7, 2010, Muriel E. Laubscher Carpenter, (also known by her professional stage name Muriel Lane), 95, a longtime resident of Grand Ave., New Haven. Beloved mother of Honey DeRosa of New Haven. Also survived by a granddaughter, Tina L.(Dennis) Cullen of West Haven, a great grandson Justin C. Cullen and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers Buddy and Roy Laubscher. Born June 1, 1914 in Bridgeport a daughter of the late Albert and Florence Teele Laubscher, she was a graduate of Warren Harding High School, Bridgeport, and class of 1939.She then embarked on a musical career that took her all over the country appearing in vaudeville and USO shows. She was the featured vocalist with many big bands and orchestras including those of Bob Crosby, Woody Herman and Ray Noble. She also sang with Bing Crosby on the Kraft Music Hall and as his recording artist for Decca (during which her rendition of Whistler's Mother -In -Law made her famous on the swing circuit).Besides her illustrious musical career, Muriel was also employed for many years as a legal secretary with the law firm of Meadows and Reynolds in New Haven. Funeral service will be held Saturday afternoon at 1:00 in the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Interment will be private. Friends may call Friday from 5 - 7 pm.