GUDRUN EINARSON (THORDARSON)

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GUDRUN EINARSON (nee THORDARSON) On October 29, 2005, at the Portage Hospital, our Mom and Amma passed away at the age of 100 years. She was predeceased by her parents and five siblings as well as her husband, Steindor. She is survived by her children and their families: Doreen (Frank Milne), Verna (Ron Koss), Norman (Elsie), Brian (Barbara), Joan (Frank Ryplanski), and Ralph. She is also survived by her 18 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and two great great-grandchildren. On January 11, 1905, Gudrun was born in a sod hut in Sinclair, MB to Jon and Helga Thordarson, who had immigrated to Canada from Iceland in 1900. She was the only surviving daughter and was the second of her family to be born in Canada. At 29, Gudrun married Steindor Einarson and moved to Amaranth and then to Langruth, where they settled to raise their six children. Steindor built the home that Mom lived in until 2002 when she moved to Douglas Campbell Lodge in Portage at 97 years of age. Remaining in Langruth was a cherished time and Mom was forever grateful and thankful to her neighbours and friends for this opportunity. A proud moment was the naming of the Einarson Park in Langruth in 2001 as a dedication to the Icelandic settlers by the RM of Lakeview. Gudrun had many hobbies, including gardening, crocheting and quilting, making each of her grandchildren an heirloom quilt to treasure. She was an avid reader and conversationalist (in Icelandic as well as English), always willing to share her thoughts on topics ranging from the NHL hockey strike to political issues and current affairs. At nearly 101, with her amazing memory, Amma was truly a walking history book. Although she will be sadly missed, our moments with Mom and Amma have become precious memories, and these along with her vivid stories will always be held in our hearts forever. She had a strong will to live and achieve goals. She truly made this world a better place to be. Gudrun, who saw many changes in her 100 years, believed that the biggest progress was in the fields of medicine and electricity. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. J. Ross, Dr. W. Howden, and the nurses and staff at both the Douglas Campbell Lodge and the Portage District General Hospital. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church, Langruth, with Rev. Phyllis Thordarson officiating. Interment will follow in the Langruth Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons, Doug Rose, Clifford Koss, Bob Vermette, Vince Van Yperenburg, Chris Vermette, and Matthew Koss. All in attendance will be honourary pallbearers. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church, Langruth, MB R0H 0N0 would be greatly appreciated. Clarke's Funeral Home, Gladstone in care of arrangements. Messages of condolence may be sent at our website at www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2005