FRANCES JEAN (STEEVES) THORSTEINSON

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FRANCES JEAN (STEEVES) THORSTEINSON April 1, 1932 to December 5, 1999 It is with great sorrow that the family of Frances Thorsteinson announce her passing on December 5, 1999 in Victoria, BC, after a lengthy struggle with numerous ailments. She was predeceased by her parents, Harold (Mike) and Evelyn (nee Brown) Steeves; and by her beloved husband Kristjan Donald Thorsteinson. She leaves to mourn her passing her only brother Frederick W. Steeves (Donna Archer) of Toronto, ON; her daughters, Margaret Kristin Thompson (Rick Donovan) and Kathleen Aldis Thorsteinson (Paul Bergsagel) of Winnipeg, MB and Ellen Frances (Ronald) Bennett of Iqaluit, Nunavut. Also by her grandchildren, Patricia (Larry) Durand of Humboldt, SK, Mark Thompson of Teulon, MB, Gwenalyn Frances Thompson of Winnipeg and Christopher and Robyn Bennett, also of Winnipeg. In addition, she is survived by uncles, Pat Steeves of England, Corky (Shirley) Steeves of BC; and aunt Shirley (Harold) Baragar of Alberta; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Frances was born on April 1, 1932 in Vita, MB and was raised in Sundown, Pinawa, Seven Sisters and Winnipeg MB. Her early education was at the one room schools where her father taught in Sundown and Pinawa and later at schools in Seven Sisters and Winnipeg. She completed her education at United College (now University of Winnipeg). In 1950, she was married to Kristjan Donald Thorsteinson. Their union was blessed with three daughters. In 1967 the family relocated to Victoria, BC. Frances work experience was varied. She worked for Hudson Bay House and radio station CKRC prior to her marriage and then later for Fleming-Pedlar. After moving to Victoria, she worked for the Standard Furniture Company and the Government of B.C. before having to retire on disability ten years ago. She was also very involved in the church. As a young girl she played the organ in Seven Sisters. She taught Sunday School and was a youth group leader at First Lutheran in Winnipeg, as well as being a secretary there for several years. In Victoria, she was treasurer at Grace Lutheran. In later years she was a member of Lutheran Church of the Cross. While in Winnipeg, Frances was active with Rupertsland Chapter I.O.D.E. and served as provincial secretary. She was a member of the Oak Bay Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. She served that group as Worthy Matron. Her many interests included fine needlework, crocheting and knitting and she was rarely seen without a book. The family acknowledges with thanks, all of the doctors and nurses who cared for Frances, all her devoted friends and relatives, especially Phyllis MacDougall who stayed with her until the end, and Ron Gabas of Obed House, who looked after her until she entered palliative care. Funeral services will be held at McCalls Funeral Chapel in Victoria; Pastor A. Meier officiating. Cremated remains will be interred in Winnipeg at a later date. A Winnipeg memorial service is planned for January, 2000. Announcement to follow. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 11, 1999