THORBJORG (BOBBE / TOBBA) DAVIDSON (SOLMUNDSON)

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THORBJORG (BOBBE / TOBBA) DAVIDSON (nee SOLMUNDSON) Our beloved Mother and Amma, Thorbjorg Bobbe/Tobba Davidson nee Solmundson, born August 25, 1910, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 26, 2008 at the age of 97. She was predeceased by her husband Wiglundur Franklin Davidson (W.F. Bill ) and was the last surviving child of Johann Pjetur Solmundsson and Una Gudrun Jonasdottir of Gimli, Manitoba. As well as her parents and husband, Thorbjorg was predeceased by her brothers, Johann Joe , Leifur Leo (Betty), Simon (Maryann), Einar (Bogga), Eyolfur Loli (Inga) and Kjartann Kardy (Margret); her sisters, Ingibjorg Imba (Jonatan) Helgason, Gudrun Gunna Solmundson, Margret (Sam) Sigurdson, Gudny Gwen (Geiri) Jonsson, Bergthora Begga (Hannes) Petursson, Frida (Jack) Gordon, Olof Ola (Leo) Barnes and her beloved grandson Paul Andrew Davidson. Thorbjorg is survived by her loving children, Bonnie-Ruth (Dennis) Ayden of St. Louis, Missouri, Constance (Michael) Geller of Milestone, Saskatchewan, William Davidson of Port Renfrew, British Columbia and Kenneth (Reva) Davidson of Vancouver, British Columbia. She also leaves to mourn her passing her 10 grandchildren, Erin Ayden, Brooke Ayden, Kari-Lynne Geller, Elisabeth Geller, Brian (Siriwan) Geller, Patricia Geller, Tamara Davidson, Kirsten Davidson, Andrew Davidson, Sarah Davidson; her 10 great-grandchildren, Konstantinos Spyromilios, Alexandra Spyromilios, David Shepherd, Joseph Osborne, William Osborne, Michael Geller, Goya Geller, Benjamin Geller, Linnea Kremer, Rebecca Kremer, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, her special family friend Michael O'Malley and her dear sisters-in-law, Maryann (Simon) Solmundson and Barbara Jean Davidson. Born in Gimli, Bill and Bobbe/Tobba made their home in Winnipeg, where they lived for 49 years. She will be remembered for her generosity and loyalty to her family, friends and the many worthy interests. All were greeted at her door with open arms and a ready smile, and an offer of fresh coffee and vinatarta. She was adored for her compassion and kindnesses to troubled friends or a sad child and even an injured animal. When others her age were starting to slow down she was just winding up. She was always a very good swimmer which she continued into her 80's. She began figure skating at 65 and was still bowling at 80. She was a very conscientious volunteer and active in community service. She was a firm believer in helping those less fortunate and gave freely of her time to many organizations. She had a keen sense of social justice and was a member and supporter of the John Howard and Elizabeth Frye Society. She inspired a love of nature in her children, grandchildren and was a supporter of the first Earth Day in Winnipeg. She was a member of the Jon Sigurdson chapter of the I.O.D.E. She was actively involved in The March of Dimes, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, Goodwill and USC of Canada. She frequently involved her children in contributing their time to these activities. In keeping with current international issues she studied the International language Esperanto. She was active in the Unitarian Church in Winnipeg and served on the executive of its Ladies Aid for many years. One of her great enjoyments was her membership in the Daughters of the Nile where over the years she held several different offices and travelled extensively throughout North America. She was proud of her Icelandic heritage and travelled with her husband to Iceland twice. She enjoyed hosting the many visitors from Iceland and her love of its history, literacy and customs. She and her husband were proud sponsors of the Icelandic Chair at the University of Manitoba. Her love of music continued at the Betel home in Gimli as evidenced by her participation in the choral singing at Happy Hour every Friday, where she resided for 13 years. The family would like to extend its gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Betel Home for their loving care of her during her residency. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. in the Gimli Unitarian Church. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to her favourite organizations the Icelandic Chair, University of Manitoba, 357 University College, 220 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M8 or the Logberg/Heimskringla, 100-283 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B5 phone 204.284.5686 or 1 866.564.2374. Goda not elskn minn. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 31, 2008