HOLMFRIDUR (FREDA) WILLIAMS (PETERSON)

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HOLMFRIDUR (FREDA) WILLIAMS (nee PETERSON) January 11, 1920 - May 6, 2012 Peacefully, in her sleep, Freda passed away at the Pinecrest Care Home in Kenora on Sunday, May 6, 2012. Born on January 11, 1920 in Ashern, Manitoba, she was predeceased by her husband Jack, her parents Johanna and Geirfinnur Peterson, and brothers Lincoln, Leo and Lloyd. Freda is survived by her sister Doris Rogers; children, Lynn Tagg (Geoff), Jack Williams (Diane), Larry Williams and Peter Williams (Theresa); grandchildren, Kelly Gray (Vern), Julie Foley (Jerry), Aaron Luft, Jennifer and Beth Williams; great-grandchildren, Evan, Mason and Sadie Gray, Tyland Luft and Maddison Foley. Family was precious to Freda and she maintained contact with many nieces, nephews and cousins, both here and in Iceland. Freda and Jack met in Winnipeg when Jack was in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. They lived in Winnipeg until Jack's transfer to Vancouver Island, and upon his discharge from the Air Force, they returned to Kenora where they had spent their honeymoon. Lincoln, Lloyd and Doris joined Freda in Kenora and a large extended family grew around her here. Freda cherished her family and adored her grandchildren. Her door was always open and she was always keen to make a fresh cup of coffee for visitors or pour them something stronger. Freda lead an active life, loved flower gardening and was an outstanding baker. No visit to Amma's house was complete without a special treat - a sugar cookie, fluffy bun or a ponnukoker. Freda's Icelandic heritage was very important to her. Her grandparents and parents emigrated from Iceland to Canada in the late 1800s. The Peterson family fished and farmed in the Narrows area of Lake Manitoba. Always a hard worker, Freda touched many lives, whether as a chef at Del Art Manor, Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary, or an active member of the St. Andrews United Church Ladies Group. Our Mom was well-loved by so many people. Despite declining health, Freda remained positive throughout her last years, with a spark that was enjoyed by Pinecrest staff and her visitors. When you least expected it, Mom would hit you with a zinger that caused many a belly laugh! She will be missed. The family would like to thank Dr. Murray Workman, Dr. Vern Sawatsky and all of the staff at Pinecrest, in particular Unit 2, for the wonderful, caring way in which they looked after Mom. Funeral Services will be held at the St. Andrews United Church in Keewatin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2012. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Icelandic Newspaper Logberg-Heimskringla published in Winnipeg or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2012