OLOF INGIBJORG (INGA) JOHNSON

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OLOF INGIBJORG (INGA) JOHNSON Peacefully, on Saturday, October 16, 1999 at the Johnson Memorial Hospital, Gimli, our dear mother and amma entered her eternal rest following a valiant battle with cancer. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Kristin (Thor) Bjornson of Arnes, Hedy (Don) Bjornson of Gimli, Lilja (Clifford) Holm of Arborg, David of Pennsylvania and son-in-law George Hay of Osgoode, ON; 17 grandchildren, Darryl (Linda), Tracey (Jerry), Kelly (Trevor), Jason (Shelley), Don (Tanys), Cindy (Randy), Peter (Joanne), Judy (Derek), Scott, Laura (Antonio), Sean (Sheila), Joy, Blair, Paul (Maureen), Susan, David and Debbie (Eric) 19 great-grandchildren, brother Baldur (Betty) Bjornson of Duncan, BC; sisters-in-law, Helga Johnson and Solla Johnson of Arborg; many nieces, nephews and friends. Mom was predeceased by her beloved husband Jonas in July of 1993; daughter Joan Hay in June of 1999; and sister Gunna Bjornson in August of 1999; as well as her parents, Kristjan and Rikka Johnson; stepfather Jacob Bjornson; a son in infancy; sisters, Bjorg Bjornson and Caroline Mathiason, brothers, Snaebjorn and Sveinbjorn Johnson. Mom was born in Svold, North Dakota on September 28, 1917 and moved to Canada at the age of three. Mom loved life and learning but due to the hardships of the time she was only able to complete Grade 9 before she had to go to work. On January 29, 1939 Mom married Jonas Hermundur and together they shared 54 years of love and happiness. They farmed in the Framnes district and it was here that they raised their five children. When we were grown, she pursued a career by taking a nurses aide course which led to her employment at the St. Benedicts Personal Care Home in Arborg where she worked for 10 years. She also worked at Johnsons Store in Arborg for four years. In 1982 Mom and Dad moved to Gimli. They transferred their membership from Ardal Lutheran to Gimli Lutheran Church. She became actively involved with the New Horizons Club and derived great pleasure participating in carpet bowling, shuffleboard, line dancing, handicrafts, and working as the sunshine convener for years. Her love of music was displayed as she sang with the Senior Echoes Choir and the Quartett. She crocheted beautiful afghans for her 17 grandchildren and almost all of the great-grandchildren. For countless years Moms compassion for the elderly led her to the Betel Home every Saturday morning where she read Icelandic to many of the residents thereby fulfilling her passion for poetry and prose. During Moms illness her quiet steadfast faith in God sustained her as she suffered in silence, always thanking her care givers for their assistance. She was a very strong, beautiful woman full of love and support for family and friends alike - a blessing to so many. Our most cherished heirloom will be the treasure chest of memories of her unconditional love. She was forever caring and sharing and always loving and giving. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at the Arborg Community Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 20 followed by a memorial service in celebration of her life at the Gimli Lutheran Church at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor George Johnson officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined. If family and friends so desire, donations may be made to the Gimli Lutheran Church or to the Johnson Memorial Hospital, Box 250, Gimli, MB R0C 1B0. Ingas family wishes to express sincere thanks to Dr. Hussain and nurses at Selkirk General Hospital and Dr. Bracken and nurses at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg. Heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation to Dr. Chapnick, medical student, Michael Boroditsky, nurses, aides and all staff at Johnson Memorial Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion shown to our dear mother. Also, special thanks to dear Aunty Betty, and Moms very special friends, Snowy Peterson and Baldwin Arnason for their kindness. Gilbart Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 19, 1999