CONSTANCE LILLIAN APPLEBY (JOHANNESSON)

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CONSTANCE LILLIAN APPLEBY (nee JOHANNESSON) Peacefully with family by her side Connie's long battle with Parkinson's disease ended on September 27, 2007 at the Riverview Health Centre where she had resided these past two years. Connie was born in Winnipeg on September 7, 1925, the second of four children, to Freda and Konrad Johannesson. From her mother she inherited her patient, thoughtful and determined manner and her great appreciation of music. Her father Konnie, a member of the Winnipeg Falcons, Canada's 1920 Olympic gold medal hockey team, instilled a pride in her Icelandic heritage and a love of athletics. Connie graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate as president of the student council, with the Governor General's medal and a provincial high jump record. At the University of Manitoba she achieved a degree in Home Economics, played on the Bison women's basketball team, was a member of the Home Ec Echos, a four member singing group which included her sister Lenore, and was elected President of the Women's Athletic Directorate. She took a second degree in Education and was elected Lady Stick of the faculty. Bill and Connie met on the Loni Beach tennis courts in 1942 and married in 1950. After a brief stint as a Home Ec teacher she began a 57 year career as a wife, mother and amma. She devoted her life to her children providing countless opportunities for them to develop their own abilities and to grow as individuals. She supported all their endeavours (piano lessons, gymnastics, hockey, swimming, and speed-skating) as a driver, volunteer and # 1 fan. For more than 50 years Connie was instrumental in creating, at the cottage on Lake of the Woods, a special place where a sense of family was strengthened and unforgettable memories made. Connie was predeceased by her parents, her brother Ken, and her beloved son Richard. She will be forever missed and her memory cherished by her husband Bill, her children, Cathie (Glen) Eliasson, Bill Appleby and partner Laurie Phillips, Mary Anne Appleby, Liz Appleby-Levin and by her grandchildren, Cara and Anne Hedley, Stephanie, Katie, and Melinda Appleby, Eric and Emily Levin and Carrlon Appleby. She also leaves to mourn her sister Lenore (Roy) Williams and brother, Brian (Carole) Johannesson as well as many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff on 3C at Riverview Health Centre for the excellent care and compassion shown during her stay. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 2 at 1:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 580 Victor Street (off Sargent). A reception will follow immediately after the service at the church. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Parkinson's Society of Manitoba, 302- 17 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1M4, the Riverview Health Centre Foundation , 1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg MB, R3L 9Z9 or a charity of your choice. neil bardal inc 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 29, 2007