DORA MAGNUSSON

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DORA MAGNUSSON With sadness we announce the passing of Dora Magnusson (nee Gerroir) at the Riverview Health Centre on October 27, 2016. Beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, and sister-in-law, Dora will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for her love, generosity and kindness. The daughter of Leo and Theodora Gerroir, Dora was born on February 26, 1933 in West Arichat on Ilse Madame, an island off the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. An Acadian community, West Arichat was home to her childhood and youth, where she grew up with her five siblings, Herman (the late Mathilda and Phyllis), John (the late Lorraine), Violet (the late Yves), Anna and Leonard (Gloria). Although her life's journey would take her to Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba, she never wavered in her pride of her Acadian heritage and her affection for Isle Madame and Nova Scotia. As a young woman, Dora worked as a nurse's aide in Halifax. There she met her husband, Alan Magnusson, a musician with the Royal Canadian Navy, with whom she had three children, Sonja (Darrell), Brant (Tannis) and Mikel (Oweeny). At a time when organizations and programs to support the families of armed forces members did not exist, Dora displayed strength and devotion while caring for the children and managing the household during overseas deployments and multiple postings. Her compassion and gentleness were hallmarks of her happy marriage, as a mother, and as the devoted Mémé to her grandchildren, Jakob, Daniel, and Kaleigh. These qualities, along with her joie de vivre, made her a welcome addition to the extended Magnusson family, as daughter-in-law to Mike and Doris Magnusson, and as sister-in-law to Alan's siblings, Norman (Dee), Tom (Linda), Brian (Kathy) and Sandra (Stacy). Dora's enjoyment of the simple, healthy things life offers - a hearty laugh in the company of loved ones, a stroll along the ocean side, a good book - was a lesson and an inspiration to us all. Dora particularly enjoyed quilting and made long-lasting friendships through her membership in the Southside Quilters. Underlying this admirable approach to life was her faith. We were blessed by Dora's presence in our lives. She loved us, cared for us, patiently understood us. Dora taught us many things, but, mostly, what it means to be a good person. We will miss her dearly, but she lives on in our hearts. The family would wish to express their gratitude to the staff of CancerCare Manitoba and the Riverview Health Centre for their care and compassion. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 4, 2016 at St. Emile Church, 556 St. Anne's Road. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care Unit. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2016