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HEATHER ALLISON KRISTJANSSON (JOHNSON) (SHALVA)
Born: Nov 06, 1966
Date of Passing: Aug 09, 2021
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
HEATHER ALLISON KRISTJANSSON
Born November 6, 1966
Passed August 9, 2021
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband John Lys, brother Robert Johnson, niece Julia (Rhys), nephew Justin, sister-in-law Chantal Johnson, brother-in-law Robert Lys, stepsisters, brothers, nieces and nephews of the Nichol family and lifelong friend Cathy Eyolfson. Predeceased by her parents, Dennis and Jeannette Johnson; brother Michael, and Nanny Doris Fraser.
Heather was the youngest of the three children and the baby girl of the family. She could use her big brown eyes to get what she wanted and she was always "Daddy's Little Girl".
As a youngster she and her brothers would enjoy being out at Winnipeg Beach at her Nanny and Grandpa's cabin. Later on, at Dad and Mom's new cabin at Sandy Hook and for many years she enjoyed time there.
Heather enjoyed attending Job's Daughters which is a masonic affiliated youth Organization. Heather quickly moved through the ranks to become the leader or what they call the "Honoured Queen". Heather grew up in St. James area and attended Silver Heights Collegiate and graduated in 1984. After high school she attended the University of Manitoba Faculty of Dietary Science.
Heather married Mark Kristjansson in 1991 and were together for 22 years. After their marriage dissolved they truly parted as best friends still to this day.
Heather worked for the family business D-Jay's Restaurant and Ichabod's Lounge and Patio for most of her adult life. Heather was always a forward thinker and an integral part of the company!
Along the way many of her customers, became lifelong friends.
Heather loved sports and the camaraderie it brought. With these friends there was no shortage of football or hockey pools. Heather would prove to be a pretty good at winning those pools. Heather was a huge Minnesota Vikings fan and often John and her would take a road trip to Minneapolis and take in a game.
Golf was one of her many passions and she looked forward to her golf games with Marilyn and the girls. She enjoyed the beauty of her backyard oasis and her love of gardening and flowers was always present.
Heather loved her needle point, she spent hours upon hours working on tea towels for her friends and family as cherished gifts. She was ecstatic and extremely proud of her poppy canvas masterpiece! It is absolutely beautiful. Her love of animals was overwhelming. If she could have, she would have adopted them all!
Shopping for the latest fashions for the next big event gave her so much joy especially if there were new shoes involved.
2015 was a busy year for Heather. She was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. She met her future husband John and she began her conversion to Judaism which she completed that in 2016 with the help and support of her new friend Sandy Cohen. She naturally made many new friends at the Synagogue along the way. That was Heather!
Heather married John in May of 2019 which was a highlight of that year. The preparation and execution of the day was a testament of her and John's love. They spent many wonderful times together. There was always a new adventure. Museums, art galleries, farmers markets, craft fairs, live shows to mention a few. John made Heather laugh and his love kept Heather fighting. She loved John with all her heart.
Heather had a trip of a lifetime to her ancestral homeland of Iceland. This trip was especially wonderful because she was part of an extend family group of Aunt Eileen, Uncle Kris and several cousins. So they all enjoyed the experience as a family group. Very special!
Favourite words by Heather "that she never has to say sorry".
Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Health Sciences Centre and Grace Hospital. Also a special thanks to all the doctors and staff at CancerCare, who were so helpful and kind with their care and support during her battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her honour to CancerCare Manitoba or the Winnipeg Humane Society would make Heather smile.
All welcome to attend the graveside service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 13 at Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Norte Dame Avenue, Winnipeg, MB. Please meet at 10:45 a.m. by the Administration building, Muster Point at Brookside Cemetery. Once the procession arrives we will follow to gravesite location. Make a donation to
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 12, 2021
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Heather. She was a great friend, and it was special to see her smiling face every time I went to D’Jays. She greeted you like an old friend, and made you feel welcome every time you were there. I will remember her voice most. And will miss her greatly. - Posted by: John Glass (Friend) on: Sep 02, 2021
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Very sorry to hear about your loss. Wishing condolences to the family and all that knew her. - Posted by: Matthew Sobocan (Long time restaurant patron ) on: Aug 15, 2021
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Dear Robert and family, We met your family many years ago when your Nanny had a cottage across the street from us in Winnipeg Beach. We haven't seen Heather in many years but have kept up with her life through Angie. She was a very special and strong lady. Cherish the memories.💕 You are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏❤️ - Posted by: Ron and Linda Halldorson (Family friend) on: Aug 14, 2021
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I wish to extend most sincere condolences to the family. Heather and I met through a common friend. Over time I grew to know her as a witty and charming person. Heather was also truly classy lady who had this special way of endearing everyone she met. Heather and I were both diagnosed with cancer around the same time and we often bumped into each other at clinic over the past five years. Heather was always a positive inspiration for me over our cancer journey and she valiantly fought the good fight. She will be missed by all. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Monica Burns (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2021
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I've always believed that people enter your life and stay for a reason. You don't always see them, but eventually they pop back in, either just to say hi or to stay for longer. Such was my friendship with Heather! From my days working at Zellers, to moving into the neighbourhood, to buying a business next to DJ's and finally to becoming one of my golf partners, there was Heather for over 30 years. I will miss her candidness, her humour, her blunt honesty and her friendship. Thinking about her driving down Hole #9 at Assiniboine will always bring back the best of memories. From David and myself, our sincerest thoughts and smpathies to John and Robert and families. - Posted by: Judy Jones (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2021
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I was saddened to hear the news of Heather I was in Jobs Daughters with her and remember her as a great friendly loving person. My sincere condolences to the whole family. - Posted by: Cheryl Fuczek Goods (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2021
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I remember outdoor living class field trip to go cross country skiing at Birds Hill Park. Heather and I took a wrong turn and went on the 10K path. Mr. Van caught up to us and said "no sense going back, its shorter to finish" - Posted by: Geoff Lloyd (friend) on: Aug 12, 2021
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I met Heather in 1983 at D-Jays. I was a dishwasher/Food prep and worked alongside Heather. Mike, Robert, Denis, Frank, Phillip, Gord, just to name a few, so many good people. Always a smile on her face but she could be serious when she needed to. Have not seen her since about 91, but those are for sure cherished times. She was an awesome person! Sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Leanne Holmes (Co-worker) on: Aug 12, 2021
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My daughter Kerri worked at Djays for a while, often alongside Heather, had fun times. I met Heather and was renamed "kerris dad"! Remember at a casino concert (Graham Shaw) Heather danced on the next table calling out "HI KERRIS DAD!" So full of Life! A very nice lady gone way too soon. In the hearts of all who were blessed to know her, sorrow for all her friends and family. - Posted by: robbie harrison (kerris dad) on: Aug 12, 2021
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I wish to express my deepest sympathies to you all at this most difficult time. I've known Heather and the Johnson family over half my life, getting to know each of them over the years enjoying a drink or a meal at D-Jays's. Heather, as well as many of the other family soon became friends of mine. I always enjoyed our chats and the way it felt to be welcomed into their home, ... well family restaurant. Heather will truly be missed, but always remembered. A promise from my family, to all of you. - Posted by: Michael and Mama Hinson (Family Friends) on: Aug 12, 2021