SYLVIA GUDRUN ALLEN (JONASSON)

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SYLVIA GUDRUN ALLEN (nee JONASSON) Sylvia Gudrun Allen was born to Christine and Gudmunder Jonassson on April 25, 1922 in Winnipegosis, Manitoba and passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Thursday, September 13, 2007. Growing up and living most of her life in Winnipeg, she was proud of her strong Icelandic heritage and maintained ties with family in the Interlake and around the world. As a child and young woman, she was a self-professed tom-boy , full of mischief, with a bright and adventurous spirit. She maintained her sense of humour and the twinkle in her eye throughout her life. In many ways, she was a woman ahead of her time, but reigned in her own ambitions to accommodate current social and familial expectations. She loved cars and driving, and was one of the first women in Manitoba to secure her private pilot's license at the Winnipeg Flying Club at a time when few women were flying. Sylvia had an interest in business, participating in the latter years with running her father's company, Keystone Fisheries. Above all, Sylvia embraced motherhood with full enthusiasm. She was ecstatic with the births of her three children: Linda in The Pas, as horses stampeded through the streets; Larry during the 1950 flood; and several years later, Judith. In raising her children she gave her love unconditionally and nurtured their individual interests and unique personalities. She actively modelled compassion and kindness to all. She oversaw daily dinner table discussions about world issues, politics and social justice and always maintained a watchful, protective eye over her children and their friends. She was extremely devoted to her children and participated actively in their lives and the community, cheering on Larry in his many sport activities, and leading Linda's groups in Brownies, CGIT and church youth groups. She was endlessly patient, always a good listener who provided solid advice when asked for. She was quick to throw herself into any situation when aid was needed and was a constant, unflappable presence in our lives. Sylvia loved family holidays and get-togethers. She is remembered as having been the instigator of much fun at gatherings with family at cottages in Gimli, Boundary Park, and later, West Hawk Lake. She travelled often, particularly enjoying long road trips and warm climates with her family. She loved nature and wildlife and even within days of her passing, thrived on time spent outside amongst the trees and the birds. She had a green thumb and helped plants and gardens flourish. She also had a keen aesthetic sense which was reflected in the beauty of her homes and the love of art which she appreciated in her mother and encouraged in her children. Sylvia played the piano beautifully and was adept at drawing and needlework, although she never brought attention to her skills. While President of the Crafts Guild of Manitoba, Sylvia infused new energy and ideas into the Guild, overseeing programming and building expansions. Sylvia's inner life was strong and complex; she read extensively and analyzed the nuances of life. Predeceased by her parents and sisters, Salina and Louise, Sylvia will be deeply missed by children, Linda Blix, Dan Blix, Tyler (Kelly Baranieski) and Ashley Blix, Larry and Evelyn, Julia, Leah (Jeremy) and Lewis Allen, and Judith, Kirk, Mariah, Samuel, and Jeremy Leif Baldwin, brothers-in-law, Douglas Maxwell, Donald Bennett, five nephews and one niece and their families, good friends and neighbours, and by all who knew her and appreciated her gracious and charming manners. Our mother's legacy to us was her unquestioning love. She was always there for each of us. Whenever anything significant happened in our lives, we shared it with her, and she was truly interested. From a gently applied face cloth to a fevered child's head, to a place to live during times of upheaval, she was our rock and the foundation of our lives. Her love has been the path we have followed, and hopefully have carried forward to her grandchildren. We feel diminished by her physical passing from our lives, and advance with trepidation knowing the hole that is left in our hearts. She was a good person. She loved us all; we truly were her life. She promised to continue to love us, and we will continue to love her. In accordance with Sylvia's wishes, a private family ceremony and celebration has taken place. Donations may be made in memory of Sylvia to the Riverview Health Centre or to the charity of one's choice. Many thanks are extended to all those who helped her and her family during her recent illness.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 18, 2007