ANNA JONASINA JOHNSON (ARNASON)

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ANNA JONASINA JOHNSON (ARNASON) Peacefully, surrounded by her family, at Red River Place Personal Care Home in Selkirk, Anna Johnson passed away on January 15, 2011. Left to treasure her memory are her children, Jack (Dee), Leona Baker (Larry), Bob (Anita), Anne Williams (Steve), Valerie Eyford (Brian), Eric (Raylene), Kris (Mandy), Sue Lavallee, Joe (Cheryl) and Larry (Lorraine). As well, Anna was blessed with grandchildren, Heidi Gosselin (Francois), Jim (Nadine), Elena, Helga Wheddon (Liam), Brett (Angie), Terri Mooney (Bairn), Robbie (Jonie), Tim (Suzie), April (Jeff), Laura, Julie Eves (Jeff), Emil, Krystal, Michael (Amanda), Kelli, Curtis (Meghan), Travis, Kyle, Matthew, Lucas and Jeremy; and many, many great-grandchildren. Anna was predeceased by her husband Emil in June 2004 and her grandson Clay in May 1974. Anna was born on December 27, 1921 to John and Helga Arnason. She lived in Oak Point before attending high school, which she did in residence at St. Mary's Academy in Winnipeg until she graduated in 1938. From there, she moved on to the University of Manitoba, obtaining her Bachelor of Home Economics degree in 1942. Not yet content with her learning, she attended the University of Minnesota, and obtained her Master of Science in Home Economics degree in 1944. Well known for her thesis on rutabagas, she was dubbed the Rutabaga Queen . Upon completing her degrees, she worked on the faculties at both the University of Minnesota and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York for a brief time. Determined to find a practical career based on her educational triumphs, she moved back to Oak Point and married the love of her life, Emil Johnson, on January 19, 1946. Together, through 58 years of marriage, they developed a very successful beef farm in the area, and raised their 10 children. Both very proud of their Icelandic heritage, they often spoke Icelandic to each other. They created a very loving home and had an enviable, traditional working relationship. Emil focused on the demands of the farm, and Anna masterfully cared for the home, the children, Emil and the many, many friends and relations who frequently dropped by. Whether it was cooking, baking, cleaning, laundry, sewing and mending, first aid and medical attention, or just taking the time to ensure everyone felt loved and special, Anna was the caregiver. No matter how chaotic the place became, Anna was there as a steady calming influence, with abundant love and humour for all of her family and friends. To all, it was obvious that her education had been applied in a very meaningful way, and she was hugely successful in her career choice. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Goda Nott , elskan. Cremation has already taken place. In celebration of Anna's long and full life, a private family service is being held for immediate family. In accordance with her wishes, no public service will be held, and interment is planned for a later date. The family would like to express its sincere thanks to Dr. Richard Lindenschmidt and the entire staff at Red River Personal Care Home in Selkirk for their loving care of Anna during her stay there. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anna's memory to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2011