Obituary
Gudrun Bjorg Sigurdson
May 16, 1930 to November 17, 2019
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our Mom and Amma on November 17, 2019 at the age of 89.
She leaves to mourn her children Lorraine, Brent & Kathy, Warren and Stacey, Noreen and Don; her grandchildren and great grandchildren Stephen & Stephanie (Soren and Kade), Paul, Christopher & Kirsten, (Hayden) Kaitlyn and Kyle; her Craddock grandchildren, Jason, Adam & Jocylin (Kaleigh, Joseph, Emberlynn and Aaliyah) sisters Inga and Lilja. She was predeceased by her husband Gestur, son-in-law Murray, her parents Bjarni & Bjorg Vigfusson, her in-laws Helgi & Lauga, 4 sisters, 3 brothers & 6 brothers-in-law.
Gudrun was the eldest of ten children, born and raised in Riverton. She completed grade 11 in Riverton and at the age of 17 she became a permit teacher. She then lived in Winnipeg for two years where she completed her Grade 12 and teacher’s training. She married Gestur in July of 1953 and they made their home in Hnausa. She returned to teaching full time in 1963, in Hnausa until 1967 when schools were amalgamated and she began teaching in Riverton where she taught until she retired in 1990. She had a short break from teaching in Riverton in 1969 when Noreen was born.
At the same time she had her teaching career she and Gestur raised 4 children. In the early years Mom was often alone with the children when Dad was away fishing. They had cattle and chickens until the mid 60’s, a vegetable garden and numerous flowers. In the fall amidst preparation for back to school she spent many hours canning preserves and freezing produce. She was also an accomplished baker and a fabulous cook. She was always trying new recipes, but also made sure to have the family favourites. She was a crafter and seamstress. Never one to sit still she would watch TV while knitting, crocheting or doing needlepoint. She sewed many outfits for her children and grandchildren. She believed in community and was a community volunteer serving in many roles such as a 4H leader, a board member of Riverdale Workshop and current board member of Riverton Group Home, where she served for over 32 years. She was still an active member of the Riverton Hnausa Lutheran Church, and had served as a member of the church council and part of the choir. She was very pleased to have been part of the planning committee for the Hnausa Reunion in 2000 and the publishing of the Hnausa Reflections. In her fifties she became an avid golfer and when she retired she also took up aquasizing. She kept up with current affairs and politics. She faithfully visited her sisters Alice, Darlene and Inga when they became PCH residents and continued to be a big sister until her last days. In 2017, she moved into a new suite in the Icelandic River Lodge where she enjoyed her time with the Lodge Family.
Family meant everything to her and she was very proud of all her children and their spouses. Amma loved all her grandchildren fiercely and was equally proud of all of them and their accomplishments. She was overjoyed when she became a Langamma. Family gatherings were a highlight and she was always eager to hear what everyone was up to and provide advice.
We would like to thank Dr. John Donnelly for his care and to the staff of the Arborg Hospital for their compassion in the Emergency Department.
In accordance with her wishes there will be no funeral. A private memorial will be held. The family gratefully declines flowers. If desired, donations may be made to the
Icelandic River Community Foundation (IRCF)
Box 159, Arborg Manitoba, R0C 0A0
Please note on the cheque whether your donation should be directed to
the Riverton Cemetery or Hnausa Cemetery.
Loving you always
Forgetting you never
Góða nótt elskan
Til we meet again
Condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.
To send flowers to Gudrun’s family, please visit our floral section.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gudrun Bjorg Sigurdson November 17 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Selkirk, Province: Manitoba