ALBINA THORA HELGASON (MELSTED)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ALBINA THORA HELGASON (nee MELSTED) September 5, 1914 April 24, 2007 Peacefully at the Tudor personal care home in Selkirk, our mother, Thora, aged 92 years, beloved widow of Gusti Helgason, passed away with her daughter Beverley and granddaughter Crystal by her side. Thora had lived all her life in Arnes, only moving to Selkirk four years ago. Besides her loving husband Gusti, Thora was predeceased by an infant daughter Phyllis Ivy, parents, Axel and Gudrun Melsted; brothers, Laugi, Jon and Axel; sisters, Margaret, Laura and Alla; her great-granddaughter Sadie and great-grandson Tanner. Thora is survived by her sons, Axel (Muriel), Jerry (Janet) and Myron, all of Arnes; daughters, Carol (Haldor) Thorkelson of Caroline, AB and Beverley (Barry) Pawulski of Winnipeg; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Mom married dad on September 5th, 1933. Their first child died at two months. Mom loved being a mother, she always said those were the best years of her life. Now she can get to know the daughter she lost so many years ago. From April to October, Mom was alone with us children, as Dad worked on the lake and was only home some weekends. So she had a lot of responsibility, caring for us kids and the few farm animals we had. We helped Mom milk cows and teach baby calves to drink from a pail. In the cold weather if baby calves or baby lambs were born, they often ended up in our porch, being nursed by our mother until they were strong enough to manage on their own. We always had cats and dogs, although Mom didn't like them in the house. Mom could never understand why Dad loved the lake so much, so when she got the opportunity to join him as a cook on the Goldfield, she gave it a try and loved it. Mom always made great tasting food and was a fantastic baker. Her apple pie, chocolate cake and tea biscuits were some of our favourites. Mom told us stories of her childhood, how hard it was for her family. They didn't have much, but they were happy. Her and her sibling had a family band. She loved music and passed it on to her children and grandchildren. Mom had a lovely singing voice. Mom loved her home in Arnes and missed it terribly after moving to Selkirk. She was so proud of her lilacs. Mom was very proud of all of her children. She always enjoyed our visits. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 28th at 1:00 p.m. in the Arnes Community Cemetery with Pastor Trudy Thorarinson officiating. Lunch will follow at the Viking Hotel in Gimli. Special thanks to cousin Lenore for making Mom feel welcome in her new home at Tudor House, to all the nursing staff for their kindness, compassion and devoted care and the love and support that was given to her family at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Tudor house or the Arnes Cemetery. Thank you, Lord, for our beautiful mother, for the love she always gave us, and for her friendship that was never failing, for her kind eyes that saw the best in us and her gentle wisdom that carried us through, for her prayers that lifted us up and the dreams she held in her heart, for the hugs and smiles we've shared, and for all of the happy memories we've made together, we are forever grateful. Love your children. GODA NOTT ELSKA MIN Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2007