THORUNN TOTA VIGFUSSON

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THORUNN TOTA VIGFUSSON At the age of 101, Thorunn Tota Vigfusson at Betel in Gimli, formerly of Arborg and Geysir, passed away on November 19, 2001. A pioneer daughter, Thorunn was born at Icelandic River (Riverton), MB on September 15, 1900, the only child of Trausti and Rosa Aldis (Oddsdottir) Vigfusson. In 1902 the family moved to Vatnsdalur, a homestead in the Geysir district, and there Tota grew up amidst pioneer hardship and natures beauty, both of which shaped the values that characterized her - independence, frugality, hospitality, quiet contentment, and a love of people, animals, and flowers. Totas cousin Lil Stevenson and her paternal grandmother Audbjorg Thorsteinsdottir, shared the familys tiny log home, moved from Riverton by ox and wagon. This house, the first historic building to be moved to the Arborg & District Heritage Village, was the scene of Totas fathers now-legendary dream about John Ramsay. As a girl, Tota attended Geysir School, and for a brief time she lived in Winnipeg. She then farmed with her parents until they moved to Arborg in 1950. Predeceased by her father in 1953, her mother in 1961, and her foster sister some years ago, she is survived by numerous cousins across Canada, the U.S., and in Iceland, as well as friends of all ages, among them Greg and Laureen Palsson of Arborg who have watched over her for many years. Heritage and extended family were very important to Tota, and though she lived very modestly, she shared her wealth of stories and knowledge freely with those who sought her out. Many are richer for having known Tota Vigfusson. A memorial service will be held at the Ardal-Geysir Lutheran Church, Arborg, at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 24. Private interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ardal-Geysir Lutheran Church.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2001