JONINA VAN NORMAN (THORARINSON)

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JONINA VAN NORMAN (nee THORARINSON) Peacefully at the Charleswood Care Centre on February 27, 2000 Jonina Van Norman passed away at the age of 98 years. Jonina Thorarinnsdottir was born on July 18, 1901 in Reykjavik, Iceland and her family came to Canada in 1910 settling in Winnipegosis, Man. using the family name Thorarinson. Jonina trained as a nurse at Dauphin General Hospital from 1924 to 1927. She completed her training at that time but because of family illness was unable to write her R.N. After her children were in school she wrote her R.N. through correspondence and graduated in 1948. Jonina and Robert S. Van Norman were married on January 26, 1927 and farmed in the Decker Man. area for 25 years. Jonina was always very active in community affairs as a member of U.C.W., school trustee, leader of girls sewing club, quilting bees, fowl suppers and the many small town activities of that time. Harvest time was a special time of year when she had to prepare meals for a large threshing gang, not an easy feat in the days before hydro and running water. In 1952 they moved to Lloydminister, Alta. and later in 1958 to Brantford, Ont. where she resumed her nursing career for several years. Upon retirement, they settled in Brandon, Man. After Bobs death in 1980 Jonina moved into Lions Manner in Winnipeg and in 1995 into Holiday Haven Nursing Home. She is survived by three sons, Robert (Janet) of Delta BC, Brian (Bev) of Winnipeg, Jack (Marnie) of St. Albert, Alta. and a daughter Karitas (Kay) Tinkess (Bob) of Brandon; 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; also her sister-in-law Thora Thorarinson of Etobicoke, Ont. and many nephews and nieces. Jonina was predeceased by her husband Bob after 53 years of marriage in 1980 and by her eldest son David in 1988; her parents, Karitas and Thorarinn; stepfathers, Gudmunder and Jonas; brothers, Alexander and Hjalli; sisters, Margaret and Sarah. One of the proudest moments of her life was when all four sons became members of the R.C.M.P., the first time this had occurred in Canada. Never one to sit idle, Jonina spent hours spinning wool, knitting and crocheting for her family, always something for each new baby that came along. She exemplified how to grow old with grace and dignity. Her love and affection for people, particularly her family as well as the wonderful staff at Lions Manor and Charleswood Care Centre was always evident along with a positive outlook and good sense of humour. A Memorial service was held on March 1st at 11:00 a.m. at Neil Bardal Inc., 984 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, Man. with the Rev. Ronald Long officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Charleswood Care Centre, 5501 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg, Man., R3R 0G8. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 04, 2000