MYRA CECILIA THORSTEINSON (KRISTJANSON)

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MYRA CECILIA THORSTEINSON (nee KRISTJANSON) Myra Cecilia Thorsteinson (nee Kristjanson) passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, February 8, 2003, at Central Park Lodge, in Brandon, MB, at 82 years of age. Myra was the eldest child of Valdimar and Bjorg Kristjanson, born at Wynyard, SK on May 21, 1920. She moved with her parents to Poplar Point, MB, then to Winnipeg, where her father began work with Manitoba Highways. They moved to Brandon in 1930. A brother, Kenneth William, was born November 13, 1936. Following graduation, Myra went to Winnipeg to further her education. She graduated as a registered nurse in 1943. While residing in Winnipeg, with a local family, she met and married the eldest son of the household, Olgier Frederick Thorsteinson, son of Thorstein Einar Thorsteinson and Svava Concordia, at Winnipeg, MB on September 14, 1945. Myra and Oli, with their first two sons, Jim (1947) and Fred (1949), moved from Winnipeg to Brandon at the beginning of the 50s. Myra left employment to manage the household, but, ever social and energetic, she remained active in a growing list of activities as well as giving birth to their third son, Bill (1955). Throughout her life, Myra valued her sorority, Beta Sigma Phi and the friendships it provided. Both Oli and Myra participated in St. Pauls United (now Central United) Church activities. Many summers, Myra baked, cooked and served for the Churchs booth at the summer fair. Myra and Oli took their children travelling, south (California - to visit cousins), east (Expo) and west, often camping in the tent trailer, as well as many visits to Wasagaming to enjoy the outdoors, the golf and her many friends. Two major trips they enjoyed together were Mexico and Japan, in association with the Lions Club. Myra was an active member of the local Lionelles, while sharing many enjoyable trips with Oli as he served, eventually as District Governor. As her children matured, Myra re-entered the field of employment, taking on a new set of skills, as a bookkeeper, secretary and jack-of-all-trades in association with Oli in his chartered accountancy business. When he joined Meyers, Norris, Penny as a senior partner in 1970, Myra joined the local YMCA, continuing her bookkeeping, until her retirement. Olis death in 1975 was a deep blow, but Myras circle of friends re-engaged her in her social activities, including frequent winter trips to the south. Tragically, she was struck with a severe stroke, while dining with her son in January 1992. Myras strength of will enabled her to survive, but the injury cut short her activities. She was cared for with gentleness, compassion and love at Central Park Lodge until her passing. Myra was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Kenneth William Kristjanson on August 23, 1978. She is survived by her three sons, Valdimar James (Jim) and wife Inge, Frederick Allan (Fred) and wife Sherry and William Arthur (Bill) and wife, Dianne; four grandsons, Christopher and Mark (Fred) and Jeffery and Kristjan (Jim) three stepgrandchildren, Kamilla and Thomas (Jim and Inge) and Leo (Bill and Diane) and one great-grandchild Joshua (Chris and Niki). A memorial service was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, Brandon, on Friday, February 14 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Joan Jarvis of Central United Church officiating. Interment took place with her husband, near her brother and parents at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Myra, may be made to any branch of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com Arrangements were in care of Brockie Donovan, 727-0694.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 15, 2003