SIGRUN ELEANOR JOHANNSON

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SIGRUN ELEANOR JOHANNSON On October 30, 2008, Eleanor Johannson passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg. The second of six children, Eleanor was born at home in Arborg, Manitoba, on January 15, 1938. Eleanor took her elementary and secondary schooling at Ardal School. She studied piano under Sister Zita at St. Benedict's, and played for the Junior Choir, and Sunday School at the Ardal Lutheran Church. For many years she belonged to the Arborg Busy Bees Sewing Club. Committed to the 4-H movement, and very bright and determined, she and Joyce Borgford won a provincial and national championship in clothing demonstration. Both also were gold watch winners. Eleanor enrolled in the Home Economics faculty at the University of Manitoba. Deciding upon a different avenue of service, she graduated with a BA in 1960, a BSW in 1961, and an MSW in 1964. Eleanor began her working career with the Family Bureau in Winnipeg, and later worked as a counselor in Minneapolis, and in Lompoc, California. Eleanor married William Glen Fry in Winnipeg on August 26, 1960. After almost a decade in Winnipeg, Eleanor and Bill toured Europe for half a year, following which they lived in London, where Bill took post-graduate courses. They then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Eleanor and Bill had one son, Jon David, born September 25, 1971. After they parted, Eleanor realized a dream by moving in 1984 to the sun and sea in California. It was part of her search for spiritual development. For more than her first three decades, Eleanor enjoyed great success in her career, and lived a very full and rewarding life. Thereafter, her life experienced a gradual decline due to increasing health issues. Eleanor is survived by her beloved son Jon Fry, his father Bill Fry, her mother Gudrun Johannson; brothers Wally (Sandra), Lawrence (Carole), Ron (Norma), Neil (Denise) Johannson, and sister Barbara (Bernest) Orbanski; nephews and nieces Jessica, Jeff (Amanda), Jennifer (Brunel), Dean (Tina), Catherine, Lara (Jerry), Verne, Bruce (Tammy), Christine (Kelly), Kelly (David), Keila (Trevor), Jonathan (Sherri), Karen, Eric, Vince and Robbie. Eleanor was predeceased by her father Thorkell (Kelly) Johannson. The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff at Riverview Health Centre for the loving care they have given Eleanor the past seven years, and her special friend Karin Woods who has faithfully visited her over many years. Friends or family, if they so wish, may make donations to the Riverview Health Centre, One Morley Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4. There will be a private family memorial service at the Riverview chapel, with interment to follow in the Arborg Community Cemetery. Neil Bardal Inc. is in charge of funeral arrangements. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2008