She was born in Trinidad, but her father was exiled to Harlem in 1917 due to his opposition to the colonial government, and in 1919 the rest of his family joined him.

Being close to the organization allowed them to spend more time helping Caribbean immigrants find jobs in the community and socialize adults and children to American society.

Muriel's family would take in the lodgers in exchange for money to help pay the rent and other expenses such as her father’s night school education.

[4] Muriel described her early life in Harlem with limited career options for immigrants such as her family.

[2] Shortly after obtaining her MD, Muriel had a two-year internship at Harlem Hospital, then later became a physician at several universities.

[6] In 2002 she shared the City College of New York's Generations Public Service Recognition Award with her son.

The list includes membership in Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, local branches of the American Cancer Society, Columbia School of Social Work, Schomburg Corporation, the Greater Harlem Nursing Home, Health Promotion Center, Harlem Council of Elders, Handmaid of Mary and cancer support groups for women such as Sister to Sister.

She claimed that her ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities allowed her to gain respect for personal and cultural differences.

Muriel believes she served as a role model for many people in her community and inspired others to get involved in projects.

[10] Muriel Petioni spent many hours contributing to the New York Colored Mission while growing up.