LILLIAN VILBORG MACPHERSON (BJARNASON)

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LILLIAN VILBORG MACPHERSON (nee BJARNASON) August 30, 1940 -April 3, 2005 Lillian died on Sunday, April 3 at 1:07 p.m. with her husband and kids by her bed side. Mixed with sadness is the relief that she no longer suffers from cancer and can now find her way in the worlds beyond. We trust she will continue her work from the other side; quietly helping others on their paths, something she did so gracefully in the many circles in which she moved. Lillian grew up in Winnipeg's West End, spending her summers at her grandparents' farm near Lundar. She attended Principal Sparling, Sergeant Park and Daniel McIntyre Schools and later Regina College. Lillian was proud of her academic achievements and was passionate about learning: a passion she expressed equally as a diligent student and as a wise teacher. She attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon where she earned her BA in English and History (and met her husband and fellow adventurer of 44 years, Lorne MacPherson and brought Arne, her first child into the world). Lillian achieved a Masters in Librarianship from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1966 (and produced her second little sprout, Erika) and in 1984 she completed an LL.B. at the University of Calgary. Always eager to learn she began a whole new student career and received a scholarship after her retirement to the University of Iceland to study the language, at which she became proficient. In later years, which really were young years, she studied and practiced as a writer and shaman. In 1968 Lillian moved with her family to Edmonton and worked as assistant Law Librarian and then ultimately Law Librarian at the University of Alberta for 26 years. Her interest in feminist legal theory led to co-founding and teaching the class at the U of A. Additionally, she acted as Associate Dean of Law and served in executive capacities for numerous library and professional organizations. In recognition of her contributions she was named a builder of the Faculty of Law in 1999. She moved back to her birthplace Winnipeg in 2000. In the few years that she had been back in Winnipeg Lillian created a wide circle of friends, family and community. In 2003 she received the Queen's Jubilee Medal in Manitoba in recognition of her distinguished service to fellow citizens. Her earnest nature was both comforting and at times formidable, she took her life seriously. Lillian created a welcome aura in her home and her genuine curiosity and open heartedness drew people to her. Her grandchildren were the very special recipients of that spirit. Lillian took her granddaughter, Gislina on a trip to Iceland, and had planned to take the other grandkids as they came of age. She was passionate about her Icelandic heritage, something that filtered into every aspect of her life: as a member of the Saga Singers; participating in the activities of the Nordurljos Chapter of the Icelandic National League; as a viking amma ; but most notably through her work as the editor of the Logberg Heimskringla. For three years until she was diagnosed with cancer, Lillian worked tirelessly to enrich the significance of the Icelandic weekly newspaper. Her editorials developed a certain cult following worldwide. She has always said that part of her heart lies in Iceland . It's impossible to encapsulate this incredible woman. She was fierce and generous in all she did. Her focus was on making and maintaining authentic relationships with others. She was an avid letter writer and kept correspondence with many people all over the world. Through her spirit journeying she created links between the worlds and helped others connect with aspects of themselves. Her interest in genealogy introduced her to her ancestors and her vast web of relations. Lillian's spirit is alive, powerful and vital and will be remembered in all these connections. She is always an inspiration. Lillian Vilborg was predeceased by her father Hafsteinn Bjarnason; Lorne's parents, John A. and Effie McPherson; and brother-in-law John A. McPherson. She will be missed by her mother Lillian Bjarnason (Johannson) and held in loving memory by her husband Lorne; her son Arne and his partner Debbie (Gislina and Solmund); her daughter Erika and partner Jacki (Zona May and Eva). She is also remembered by her brother John (Roslyn Pugsley); her sister Bernice Lindal (Gordon) and their children; as well by all her McPherson in-laws, Eileen Robb, Tom and Donna, Vera and Don Stewart, Archie and Merle, Inez and Doug Schmit, and Robert and all their many children and grandchildren. Special thanks to all the friends and relations who came from out of town to help Lillian and her family through this journey: Inez and Doug Schmit, Bernice Lindal, Rede Widstrand, Eunice Scarfe, Thora Howell, Vera Stewart and Sylvia Chetner. We couldn't have it done it without them. Huge thanks to Phyllis, Ingrid, Patty, and all the members of the LOVE team. And of course to Dr. Daeninck and Tracy at CancerCare MB, Dr. Nadine Fontigny, Dr. Chris Turner, and huge thanks to Brenda and all the nurses and aides through the Palliative Home Care Program who helped us to help Lillian die at home. We were treated with kindness. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 8 in the Unitarian Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Cres. There will also be a service held in Edmonton, AB at a later date. At Lillian's request, in lieu of flowers please send donations to the Helga Dalman Memorial Scholarship fund at the University of Alberta. This is a scholarship that Lillian established in her grandmother's name. We will be adding Lillian's name to the scholarship as well. (Student Awards Office, 1-80 Student's Union Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2J7) . Tax receipts will be provided. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 06, 2005