HELGA INGEBJORG ISFELD

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HELGA INGEBJORG ISFELD It is with heavy hearts the family announces the passing of our dear Mother and Amma Helga on Friday, September 27, 2002 at the Betel Home in Gimli, just 14 days short of her 100th birthday. Helga was born on October 11, 1902. She was predeceased by her son Morris Alexander; her husband Oli; her daughter Hilda; sons-in-law, Oliver Chalmers, James Tennant and Roy Harriott. Left to cherish her memory are her children, John (Audrey), Aurora Chalmers, Violet Tennant, Anna Russell, Paul (Olan), Laura Martin (Ron), Oliver (Eleanor), Edward (Heather). She will be missed by her 25 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Helga married Oli on September 1, 1920 and together they raised their 10 children at Winnipeg Beach. Times were hard, but with courage they faced the future together. Hearing wolves howling and moose crashing outside their meagre fishing camps and bearing 10 children with only a midwife were only some of the hardships she endured. Helgas inner strength was sorely tested when her oldest son "Alex" left to serve in the Second World War and never returned. It was the love of her husband and remaining children that pulled her through and made her spirit strong. Helga enjoyed knitting and sewing and this was evidenced by the many Icelandic mitts, socks and sweaters that are still being worn by her family and the traditional apron gifts at Christmas. She loved her garden and flower beds and her many houseplants. She worked hard by Olis side in their fishing business. All of Helgas family, especially the children, looked forward and will always remember going to Ammas for coffee and dinners. Our memories are a melting pot of family gatherings in her kitchen - coffee every day at 4:00 p.m., the sweet smell of cinnamon buns, cakes, cookies, ice cream floats, vinartarta and ponnukokors. We were proud of her lifetime respect for learning and her curiosity about the world and currents events. Helga was very proud of her Icelandic heritage. Helgas final years were spent at Betel in Gimli where she was lovingly cared for by their tremendous staff. We wish to express our gratitude to Dr. Chapnick and all the nurses and support staff at Betel for their never ending and compassionate care to Helga. A special thank you to Pastor George Johnson. We are extremely grateful for your caring heart. Helga was a wonderful, caring woman with an open home and heart. She was a very special Mom and Amma. She had a unique outlook on life and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to share in a celebration of her life at the Gimli Lutheran Church on Friday, October 4 at 2:00 p.m. Honorary pallbearers are all of Helgas grandchildren. The family gratefully declines flowers and suggests that anyone wishing to do so donate to the Betel Home Foundation, Box 10, Gimli, MB, R0C 1B0. "Those we hold most dear never truly leave us; they live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared and the love they brought into our lives." "Goda Nott" Mom and Amma We will miss you. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 30, 2002