ETHEL LYALL FINNBOGASON (BURNSIDE)

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ETHEL LYALL FINNBOGASON (BURNSIDE) June 21, 1906 - May 11, 2002 After a long and fulfilling life, Ethel passed away at the Fort Garry Care Centre, whose excellent care of Ethel was appreciated by her family. A great believer in lifelong education, she was an avid reader, learner, encourager of the arts, music lover and supporter of good causes. Born in Gladstone, MB to John and Helena (Foster) Burnside, she spent her first six years in Broadview (then in the District of Assiniboia) and then Stockholm, SK. She grew up in Oak River, where her father was the CPR station agent, before leaving to attend Normal School in 1924. Ethel taught at Oakner and Decker before returning home to Oak River to teach and to run the household for her invalid mother. She was active in Rebeccas, the Sunday School, CGIT, her church council, curling, coaching sports, as well as acting in a number of plays. In 1938 she boarded the MS Luberc for the rocky wilderness of Bissett, a place that touched her very soul. There she met and married Samson Finnbogason. While raising a young family during the Second World War, she and Sam organized home support for the men overseas, which the Red Cross recognized by making them both life members. Ethel was active in the Bissett United Church initiating the annual Fowl Supper, superintending the Sunday School and sitting on Church Council for many years. She returned to teaching in 1955, first at San Antonio Public School and later in the St. James School Division, St. Charles, Buchanan and Athlone schools, from which she retired in 1970. While at Athlone she discovered a patch of virgin prairie, which she brought to the attention of people, who were able to create the present park. Predeceased by her husband Samson in 1954 and her brothers and sisters, (Eliza Mitchell, Laurie Burnside, William Burnside and Mary Hathaway), she is survived by her children, Shirley-Anne (Michael Parris), Braeside, ON, Jack (Marsha), Surrey, BC and Donald (Lucille McLaughlin), Clandeboye, MB. Also seven grandchildren, Dean Spearman (Maureen), Kimberley-Ann Jandl (Robert), Tim Parris, Gillian Baker (Charles), Penelope Bartel (Kenneth), Loa and Signe Finnbogason and six great-grandchildren, Samantha and Jason Jandl, Evan and Claire Spearman and Edward and Arianne Baker. The family will hold a private burial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Literacy Fund would be appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 18, 2002