KRISTIN SIGRIDUR STEFANSSON (BRECKMAN)

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KRISTIN SIGRIDUR STEFANSSON (nee BRECKMAN) Peacefully, after 102 years of a great life, Kristin Stefansson passed away at the Selkirk General Hospital on Sunday, July 16, 2000. Predeceased by her beloved husband Arni in 1970, she is survived by her daughter Lois (Wilfred) Martin and son Irvin (Mary Jane) Stefansson. Amma is also lovingly remembered by her eight grandchildren, Doug (Laurie) Martin, Susan Pawluk, Bill Martin, Gillian (Sean) Thomas, Rick (Debbie) Stefansson, Jan (Andy) Baker, Kris Stefansson, Jay (Bonnie) Stefansson and by her 13 great-grandchildren, Trisha and Kevin Martin, Mark Pawluk, Scott and Jeremy Thomas, Torrie, Kaylee and Shaylyn Stefansson, Drew, Reid and Riley Baker, Gena Rae and Kiara Stefansson. Kristin was predeceased by brothers, Slivers, Mundi, Joe, Walter and George Breckman; sisters, Maria Bailey, Sig Breckman and Thelma Eyford. She is survived by sisters, Bina Ingimundson and Margaret Mack; sister-in-law Kaye Breckman; extended family member Pearl Eyford as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Kristin was born on June 7, 1898, in Winnipeg. She was the first-born of 11 children raised by Gudmundur and Jakobina Breckman. Her early years were spent in Lundar, where her family operated the general store and creamery. In 1920 she moved to Winnipeg where she worked as a nanny. In 1929 she married Arni Stefansson, making their home in Vivian where they operated a dairy and grain farm. In 1935 they moved their farming operation to Tyndall, retiring to Selkirk in 1961. Amma had a truly remarkable attitude toward life. She endured hardships without complaint and excelled at everything she did, especially sewing, gardening and baking (particularly her infamous Icelandic pancakes and award-winning vinaterta). She had a keen interest in daily world events and was fortunate to live an active, independent life until her death. Kristin enjoyed the fellowship at Betel Home and the Gordon Howard Centre, and especially enjoyed playing cards at Lions Manor. She was a loving wife and mother, and took great interest and pride in her grandchildrens and great-grandchildrens lives and accomplishments. Kristin was a member of the St. Clements/St. Andrews Agricultural Society, an active member of the Selkirk Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Rebecca Circle of ELW, and an honorary member of both the North American Icelandic League and the Gordon Howard Centre. Family and friends may gather at the Green Acres Memorial Gardens Chapel, Winnipeg, on Friday, July 21, at 10:30 a.m. to pay their respects, followed by an interment service at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of Kristins life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Selkirk Evangelical Lutheran Church, 329 Clandeboye Ave., Pastor Stan Richards officiating. Pallbearers will be Doug and Bill Martin, Rick and Jay Stefansson, Andy Baker and Sean Thomas. Thank you to the wonderfully caring and supportive staff of the Selkirk District Hospital during Kristins very brief stay there. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice. Green Acres Memorial Gardens in care of arrangements. (222-3241).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 20, 2000