SNJOLAUG (SNOWY) LILLIAN PETERSON

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SNJOLAUG (SNOWY) LILLIAN PETERSON Snowy Peterson, aged 97 years, passed away peacefully with loving family at her side on Friday, December 10, 2004 at the Gimli Betel Home. Mom was predeceased by her husband Thorleifur (Leifi) Peterson; her parents, Antonius and Fredrika Martin; five brothers, two in infancy and Siggi, Fred and Chris; daughter-in-law Eleanor Peterson; son-in-law Victor Wlosek; grandson Jonas Martin Peturson; great-grandson Troy Tomchuk; sisters-in-law, Bjorg and Steina Martin and all of her brothers and sisters-in-law on Leifis side. She will be sadly missed by her five children, Anton and Valdine Peterson, Bjarni and Linda Peturson, Frederica and Al Borys, Lillian Wlosek and Ken and Arlene Peterson and her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Curtiss and Pat Peterson (Mitchell, Stephanie, Tristan), Lori Lumsdon (Anders, Brennan), Kris and Beverley Peterson (Michael, Marley), Cameron and Theresa Peterson (Kali, Ryan, Emma), Clay Peterson, Kyle and Lynne Peterson (Lauren, Kristjana, Ashlyn), Pearl Tomchuk and Mike Dubois (Nichole, Jaden), Noreen and Ray Mamrocha (Jodi, Kelsey, Tanner), Crystal and Rick Clark (Tessa, Keanna, Cody), Melody and Lynn Clemons (Janelle), Carla and Jeff Weins (Tana, Shiloh), Shelley Borys (Madelyne), Kerri Gaminek (Erik, Kjersten), Heather and Steve Teller (Rachel, Lauren), Liane and Ed Sawa (Steven, Ellyn), Glenn Wlosek, Janne Wlosek and Scott Hainstock, Kevin and Christine Peterson (Jon), Kristi and Wes Henry (Jillian, Jasmine), Kendra and Mark Sewell (Ashley, Darren) and Kelly Peterson. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Jonina (Loa) Martin of Riverton and many nieces and nephews. Mom was born on July 20, 1907 and grew up on her parents farm at Baldurshaga in Arnes. Upon completing a commercial course she worked in her grandparents store and post office, the latter as assistant postmaster. After her marriage to Dad in 1928 they lived in Hnausa for seven years, then moved to the family farm at Arnes. At this time, when Dad was away fishing, Mom worked hard at tending the farm and raising their five children. In 1969 she and Dad moved to Gimli. Mom obtained a certificate in geriatric nursing and worked at the Betel Home until her retirement in 1975. The following year she moved to New Haven Lodge as the first resident, where she continued to live until September 2004. Her last three months were happily spent at Gimli Betel Home. Mom was a gifted and accomplished musician. Her father recognized Moms natural talent at a very early age and purchased an organ despite limited financial resources. Mom began, at age 12, to accompany vocal and instrumental soloists, and to provide music on piano and organ for church services, funerals, choirs, weddings and dance bands. She continued to share this gift for 85 years. Only when her eyesight began to fail was she forced to give up much of her playing. She did, however, provide music for Happy Hour and church service at the Gimli Betel Home until her recent short illness. A passion that blossomed when she retired was cultivating a beautiful flower garden on the grounds of New Haven. Her corner garden was admired by many, often photographed, and even featured in the Rekjavik Icelandic morning paper. Family was extremely important to Mom. She was always there to proudly support achievements and she loved us unconditionally. She had a unique bond with each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making each one feel very special. She truly enjoyed family gatherings and made a point of attending virtually every family baptism, graduation, wedding, social, birthday, etc. Often she was the last to leave. Throughout her life, Mom was very community minded and volunteered tirelessly. Organizations that benefited from her generous giving included the Resource Centre, Arnes Cemetery Board, Arnes Ladies Aid, Library Board (Lestrarfelagid Framm), Red Cross, New Horizon Club, Manitoba Housing Board and Gimli Betel Home. During the Second World War she even served as a "pigeon" reporting to the Winnipeg Air Command observations of planes flying overhead. Mom cherished her friends dearly. Although she had lost most of her contemporaries, she continued to nurture new friendships. Her suite never was lacking of people dropping in for coffee and exchange of pleasantries. She was highly respected and admired by all who knew her. In more recent years members of the Senior Echoes Choir, friends at Betel, the Happy Hour Gang and friends from New Haven became very dear to her. The family wishes to express its sincere thanks to Hill and Liz, Brodie, Bernice, Shirley and Allan, who couldnt do enough for Mom. Also thanks to Dr. R.C. Patel, the staff at the Gimli Community Health Centre and Betel Home and Home Care for their compassionate care and to Pastor George Johnson for his spiritual comfort and support. Funeral services will be held at Gimli Lutheran Church on Wednesday, December 15 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastors, George Johnson and Trudy Thorarinson officiating. Interment to follow at the Arnes Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are the rest of the grandchildren and Hill Bylholt, Brodie Thordarson, Dr. Jonas Johnson, George Anderson, Bjorgvin Albertson, Valdi Arnason and Harold Thorkelson. Mom leaves a beautiful legacy of loving graciousness and elegance. Moms passing has created a void in the hearts of all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, friends so wishing, may make a donation in her memory to the Gimli Betel Home, the Gimli Lutheran Church or a charity of their choice. We love you Mom. May you enjoy playing for choirs of angels and tending Gods beautiful gardens. "Well done thou good and faithful servant." Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Gimli in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2004