VALGERDUR ELINOR BYRON (BACKMAN)

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VALGERDUR ELINOR BYRON (nee BACKMAN) February 26, 1925 - July 7, 2001 Peacefully at her residence, surrounded by her family, over-looking the land she loved so much, Elinor passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. July 7 was a beautiful warm sunny day, flowers were in bloom and the prairie birds were in full chorus. Her favourite music was playing softly in the background all afternoon as we chatted with our Mom and Amma one last time. The evening brought a full moon over our farm. Elinor is survived by her sons, Wayne (Dawn), Robert (Colleen) daughter Marlene Wylychenko (Gerald) and granddaughters Lori, Stefanie, Lindsay and Chelsey; brothers, Harold, Hjartur, Charles, Winston, Earl; sisters, Clara and Dorothy; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother Kristin in 1929; father Gudni in 1973; husband Stefan in 1966; and brother Kristjan in 1999. Mom met the challenge of her illness with grace and grit; she never complained or asked "Why Me?" This is a true testament to her life-long strength of character that saw her mother die when she was only four years old and her beloved husband Stefan die tragically in a farming accident. Mom continued to operate the farm for a year after his death, then sold off all the cattle, equipment and property except the half-section she lived on until the time of her death. We all had so many great summers, Thanksgivings and Christmases at the family farm on old Highway Six. Elinor was extremely active in her community all of her life. The Ladies Aide Bjork (founded by her grandmother Holmfridur) was her favourite. She also belonged to the Lundar Agricultural Society and served as Secretary-Treasurer for over 25 years and President of the Ladies Section from 1966 - 1971. Elinor was active in the Royal Purple, the Order of the Eastern Star, Meals on Wheels, The Lundar Curling Club, Lundar Lutheran Church and The Melodiers. She played the organ at many funerals and at the Annual Otto Church Service. Mom was also an Honorary Life Member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba. Elinor was loved for being not only an exemplary community person but also a caring and supportive Mother and Alma. Her Vinertartas (sometimes over 100 made at Christmas), Icelandic brown bread, chocolate cakes and knit sweaters will always be cherished. Special thanks to the staff of CancerCare Manitoba, St. Boniface Hospital and Home Care in Winnipeg and Lundar. Also special thanks to neighbours Wayne and Darlene Burke and niece Lorraine (Bob) Morsette for their acts of kindness and telephone calls. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at Lundar Lutheran Church on Wednesday, July 11 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Terry Throndson officiating. Interment to follow in the grave of her beloved husband Stefan at Lundar Cemetery. Active pallbearer Bob Morsette. Honorary pallbearers: Wayne Burke, Darlene Burke, Ken Foster, Albert Rae, Alfred Fortin, Doris Foster and Lorraine Morsette. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lundar Lutheran Church, Lundar, MB R0C 1Y0 or the Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division, 100 Olivia St., Winnipeg, MB. Always loved, Always in our Hearts Godan Nott Elskan Arrangements by ARNASON FUNERAL HOMES, LTD. Ashern - Lundar 1-204-768-2072

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 09, 2001