AUGUSTA (SANDY) SAEMONDINA COLLEY

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AUGUSTA (SANDY) SAEMONDINA COLLEY (nee HELGASON) At age 82, died in Dublin, OH, July 21, 2000 after a decade-long battle with Parkinson Plus Disease that eventually rendered her unable to walk, talk or feed herself, but couldnt dim her positive outlook, humour or love of family. Born August 25, 1917, of Gudfridfur Helgason (nee Saemundsdottir) and Johannes Helgason, the eight of 12 siblings and half-siblings on Reynivellir (farm) in the Icelandic community of Riverton, MB. Married Paul Colley from Wellston, OH in 1953 in Las Vegas, NV. Their honeymoon was a 10,020 mile drive across the country, through Canada and back west, where they returned to San Diego to live. Learned English at age seven by memorizing the sounds from her first grade primer. Taught school in Riverton and Oak Lake, MB, and taught all grades in a one room schoolhouse on Matheson Island on Lake Winnipeg where she often travelled by dog sled. Became a Registered Nurse at Grace Hospital Nursing School, where she received a medal for having the highest Medical Theory grade in her class. Provided private duty nursing and hospital nursing in Winnipeg and Chicago; and in San Diego where her duties included work in a pediatrics office, and in the emergency room at Paradise Valley Hospital. She the first school nurse ever to work for the Wellston, OH School System. Travelled extensively with her family throughout the U.S. and Canada, and with husband Paul in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Survived by husband Paul; son Mark, daughter-in-law Susan; daughter Helen Colley, son-in-law Michael Miller; son Eric; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Bonnie; brother Valdimar Helgason; and many nieces and nephews in Canada; many cousins in Iceland and Australia. A small memorial was held at her home in Dublin, OH. Instead of flowers, anyone who would like to make a contribution can make a donation in her name to: The Parkinsons Foundation Bob Hope Parkinson Research Center 1501 N.W. 9th Ave., Bob Hope Rd. Miami, FL 33136-1494 (1-800-327-4545)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2000