LILJA JONASINA MARTIN (PALSSON)

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LILJA JONASINA MARTIN (nee PALSSON) December 22, 1915 - December 8, 2007 Peacefully, at Calvary Place, our dear Mother, Amma, Langamma passed away on December 8, 2007 at the age of 91. Lilja was predeceased by her parents, Jon and Una Palsson; loving husband Halldor (November 21, 1999); brothers, Johannes, Pall, and Valdimar; sister, Sigrun; daughter-in-law, Carol Martin; niece, Jona Nordal; nephew, Baldur Palsson. Fond memories will be cherished by her children, John (Shirley), Valdina (Donald) Duncan, Sigmar (Deborah), Pauline (Haukur) Asgeirsson, and Melvin (Jackie); 11 grandchildren, David (Carla), Dennis (Sharon), Jason (Lori) Duncan, Erin Duncan, Matthew (Angela) Duncan, Hugh (Susan) Duncan, Todd (Patti), Amanda, Erik and Leif Asgeirsson, and Helen; 11 great-grandchildren, Madison, Dawson, Maxwell, Abigail, and Hannah Martin, Tony, Amelia, Drew, Chloe, Daniel, and Cameron Duncan; sisters-in-law, Ingunn Palsson, Olga Johannesson, and Rae Martin; brother-in-law, Charles (Mac) Harkess; many nieces and nephews. Mom was a very special individual, who generously shared her intelligence and musical talent with everyone and approached all tasks with energy and determination. Born and raised on the family homestead in Geysir, Manitoba, she attended school in Geysir and Arborg. Her parents recognized her love of music and provided opportunities for her to have lessons in Arborg and finally with renowned pianist Eva Clare in Winnipeg. She received a Gold Medal and Scholarship earning top marks with the Royal Conservatory of Music on her final A.M.M. exam. This education began her long career as a professional musician. Mom and Dad married October 1, 1941, and built a home on Dad's family homestead in Hnausa, Manitoba. From their example, we learned the importance of perseverance and hard work in pursuing our goals. Mom, while providing all the day-to-day necessities, would eagerly act as our tutor (even algebra and geometry), teach us piano, sew our clothes, prepare fabulous meals on special occasions for family and friends, and much more. She had an inner strength that carried us through some very tough times, conquering obstacles with resourcefulness and fortitude. At the end of many a day, we fondly remember our home being the gathering place for an old fashioned singsong, featuring Dad on the fiddle and Mom at the keyboard. Mom and Dad moved to Brandon in 1967, where they resided until 1988, when they moved to Winnipeg to be near family. Mom touched many lives over her lifetime. She played at countless weddings, Church services, funerals, Christmas and choir concerts, community dances, and accompanied many artists, including her beloved brother, Joe. She taught generations of piano students with patience and enthusiasm and filled the churches for her annual recitals. Fellow Icelanders traveled from across the area for Icelandic choir rehearsals and concerts. Her contribution to community, with Dad by her side, was monumental. Her musical talent and her Icelandic Heritage were intertwined, wherever she was. She was truly honored to be chosen Fjallkona, 1982. Her final eight years were spent at Calvary Place. We are so grateful for the love and peace she felt from all her caregivers. Thank you to all. Special thank you to Jill, her guardian angel. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave., with Chaplain Henry Schultz officiating. Reception and interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lilja's memory to Calvary Place, 1325 Erin Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 3R6, or to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Unit 10 - 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2007