ANNA THORARINSON

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ANNA THORARINSON Anna, aged 96 years, passed away on May 5, 2009 at the Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli, Manitoba. Anna was predeceased by her loving husband Kristjan, her son Kristjan (Buddy), her grandson Kenneth, brothers Gudni, Bjossi, Ingvar, Jonas, Gunnar, Einar, and sisters Inga, Laura, and Beatrice. Born on July 1, 1912 in Vidir, Manitoba, Anna was the third eldest in Bjorn and Lara Sigvaldasons family of 16 children. Anna's family life was rich in fun, laughter and good times along with the hard work of a busy farm life at Vidir and later Arborg. In 1934, Anna married Kristjan Thorarinson. They were true partners in every sense sharing the responsibilities of home, family, their general store, and community. They loved their life in Riverton. Anna enjoyed her community life; the ladies organizations, the curling club, church groups, and special events with family and friends. She would often reminisce about family outings, boat trips down the Icelandic River to the lake, and her winter vacations in Arizona. She would remark that spending those two or three months in the south added years to her life. Anna was a loving wife, mother, amma, lang amma, sister, aunt, and friend to many. With a very keen interest in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews she felt great pride in their many accomplishments in life. The friendship and kindness of Dora Olafson and Margaret Thorarinson, and the many thoughtful friends and neighbours in Riverton, Rotary Towers and Betel were dearly important to her. She often reflected on the wonderful life she had led, and felt that she had been truly blessed by having so many around her that she was able to love for so many years. She will be dearly missed by us all. Anna leaves to cherish her memory; her children Harold, Brian (Lyla), and Lorraine (Garnett Betts); daughter-in-law Irene; grandchildren Stacey (Ove Hoff), David (Kelly), Robert (Lana), Leanne, Lana (David Enns), Glenn (Merie), Leslie (Kristin Finnson); great-grandchildren Christopher and Michael Hoff, Matthew and Shanyn Thorarinson, Sarah and Jenna Thorarinson, Andrew and Ryan Bisignano, Sascha and Brendan Enns, Alysha Finnson and Jessica Thorarinson and her sisters Grudrun, Thordis, Valdine (Neville Prentice), Olof, Kristjana, and Margaret (Eric Rasmussen). Her memory will live in her extended family. A special thanks to the staff at Betel Home and the Johnson Memorial Hospital for their wonderful care. A celebration of Anna's life will be held at the Riverton Hnausa Lutheran Church in Riverton at 2:00 p.m. on May 12, followed by refreshments at the Riverton Recreation Center. If desired, donations may be made to the Riverton Hnausa Lutheran Church in Mom's memory. Gilbart Funeral Homes, Selkirk and Gimli in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 08, 2009