It is with great sadness we announce the June 29 passing of Jonina Lovisa Benson (nee Stefanson) born October 9, 1924. She was predeceased by her husband, Gunnlauger (Louis) Benson and her son Roger, her parents Gudjon and Gudrun Stefanson, her brothers and Louis’ siblings.
She is survived by her daughter, Laureen (Gregory) Palsson, grandchildren Sean Palsson (Krystyn) and Erin (Mike) George, her daughter-in-law Doris Benson, grandchildren Leanne Benson and Boyd (Tracy) Benson, and her sister Anna Johnson. Amma Hecla, as she was fondly called, loved being a great-grandmother to Maddy (Garett) Turbett, Emily Bouvier (Keith), Kelsey Benson, Kyle Benson, Mickela (Julian) Franz, Rochelle Palsson (Joey), Hailey Palsson, Floki Palsson, Dylan George, and Taylor George. She even had the joy of being a great-great-grandmother to Danika and Benjamin Franz, Joseph Palsson and steps Connor and Leah. Because she had so much grandmotherly love to share, she also ‘adopted’ Tracy Chambers, Terri Kempin, Jodie Speechley (all nee Thompson), and Siobhan Price Cormier as honorary grandchildren. There is not enough room to list all the people who thought of her as their Amma Hecla.
Jonina grew up in Vidir, MB. She became a teacher. Her teaching career took her to Hecla Island, where she not only fell in love with the island, but also a handsome fisherman named Louis. They married on March 23, 1946 and settled on Hecla Island, where they lived until Louis’ death in 1979. Jonina moved to Arborg and started a new career as an educational assistant. Many students were more successful in school because of Mrs. Benson’s help. Jonina loved to knit, from fisherman’s mitts to blankets and sweaters, sometimes creating intricate patterns on her own. In her later years, she loved spending summers on Hecla Island, where she always had the coffee ready for company. Her homemade bread was legendary to her grandkids – toast and hot chocolate always followed a dip in the lake.
Thanks to all the Home Care staff at Sunrise Lodge, the doctors and staff at the Arborg Hospital, and the staff at the Arborg Personal Care Home for your kindness and care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
A private graveside funeral will be held at a later date.
Don’t think of her as gone away,
her journey has just begun.
Life holds so many facets,
this earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days or years.
Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of her as living
in the hearts of those she touched
for nothing loved is ever lost
and she was loved so much.
Goda Nott, Elskan.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jonina Lovisa Benson Stefanson Tuesday June 29th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba