ELAINE MARGARET SIGURDSON

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ELAINE MARGARET SIGURDSON Born in Gimli on May 22, 1955, Elaine passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 3, 2013, in Karise, Denmark. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Otto Larsen; her sons, Troels and Patrick; her parents, Alma and Raymond Sigurdson; sisters, Lenore Kersey (Wayne Janz), Doreen Sigurdson, Sandra Sigurdson (Don Gaudry), and Marlene Lock; brother, Barrie Sigurdson (Ardith); brother-in-law, Preben Larsen (Tronte); and, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Elaine grew up on the family farm in the Minerva District. She attended school in Gimli where she excelled both academically and athletically. She went on to study science and medicine at the University of Manitoba. She graduated from medical school in 1979 and served her medical internship at the Regina General Hospital. Elaine and Otto met in Canada and were married in 1977. They lived in Winnipeg, Regina and Englehart, Ontario, before moving to Denmark in 1980 where they lived on the Larsen family farm in Roholte. Elaine embraced life in Denmark and quickly became fluent in Danish and an active member of the local community. She was a dedicated and loving mother to their two sons, Troels, born in 1985 and Patrick, born in 1990. An avid gardener, she grew beautiful flower beds and a large and productive vegetable garden. Elaine practiced medicine in Denmark until the limitations of Multiple Sclerosis made it impossible for her to continue. She continued to help others through serving on boards and volunteering with numerous organizations, including the MS Society and the Red Cross. She also volunteered her professional expertise to an MS research program at the Roskilde Hospital. Four years ago, Elaine moved to an apartment in a personal care home in Karise, Denmark. The staff there got to know and love Elaine and so she was cared for by not only skilled professionals but true friends. When Elaine received the diagnosis of untreatable cancer in April there were many tears from her caregivers and a pledge to "keep her at home." The care and concern of the staff at the home was a great support and comfort to Elaine and to our family. Elaine had a great sense of humour. In those "you can either laugh or cry" situations, and there were many, Elaine always chose to laugh. She was brave and determined to live her life to the fullest. A funeral service was held in Denmark on May 8, 2013. A celebration of Elaine's life will be held on Sunday, June 9, at 2:00 p.m. at the Gimli Park Pavilion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elaine's memory to the Betel Home Foundation at Box 10, Gimli, Manitoba, R0C 1B0, or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 25, 2013