Andrea Jane Gunnlaugson Furlan

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Andrea passed peacefully while in hospice care at Moog and Friends Hospice House in Penticton BC following a lengthy battle with brain cancer. Left to mourn are her loving husband Lorenzo and their son Massimo; parents Terry and Susan Gunnlaugson, sister Nancy Gunnlaugson (Keith Mears); brother Derek Gunnlaugson; nephews Tadeo, Alejandro and Pascal: best friend Diane: numerous aunts and uncles, cousins and an astounding number of friends and artists who will miss her dearly.
Andrea danced through life, stating at the age of four she was going to be a ballerina. She trained in classical dance performing with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet at the age of 16. She transitioned into modern dance and performed across Canada, USA and in Europe.
Andrea was very active in all aspects of dance. She served on national juries in Ottawa; teaching dance and adjudicating at Art Festivals from BC to Quebec and she inspired many dancers of all ages. For several years Andrea ran the lower mainland office of the Dancers in Transition Resource Centre where she relished helping many fellow artists.
Andrea had many talents and used her intuitive healing nature training as a doula and then as a massage therapist. She loved being part of the birthing process and helped bring many babies into this world.
Following the birth of Massimo in 2013 they moved to Oliver, BC, in the Okanagan where Lorenzo and Andrea quickly became involved in the communities many and diverse activities. She made many friends and produced and starred in locally produced plays and sat on many Boards as a strong supporter of the Arts.
Andrea established her own massage practise and created Plass, a not-for-profit space for movement-based activity but as with many other businesses, Covid curtailed many of her ambitions.
Andrea loved animals, especially her pets, most of which she adopted through animal rescue agencies. Often it seemed as though her animals chose her and not the other way around!
She had a generous spirit and spread love and goodness wherever she went. Despite her numerous health challenges, she was always quick with a laugh and her sense of humour drew people in making them feel as though they had always known her.
Her heart knew no bounds and it was well known how grateful she was especially to the multitudes of health care workers whose lives crossed paths with hers. She often showed her gratitude with coffees and hot chocolate and doughnuts presented to hospital staff.
In October 2021 she was diagnosed with a very lethal form of brain cancer which she fought bravely to the end. With their many friends in Oliver and around the world there was an astounding number who came to say goodbye many of them flying into Penticton.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare.

May she forever dance in the sky!

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As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 07, 2023