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DORA OLAFSON January 1, 1925 - December 17, 2012 Family and friends mourn the passing of Dora Olafson of Gimli and formerly of Riverton, MB, beloved wife of the late Stefan O. Olafson. We will miss her dearly, and each of us will treasure the special memories of her time with us. Dora is lovingly remembered by her four children, Dan (Bev Bean), Janice (Roger Robidoux), Colleen (Vern Bryce), Marla (Brent Karr); six grandchildren, Nicolle (Jon Vnuk), Danielle (John Weedon), Renee (Colin Dyck), Mike and Marc Robidoux, Eric Karr; and six great-grandchildren, Jessica and Harley Weedon, Jordyn Olafson, Josh Dyck, Carter and Olivia Vnuk; and Vern's daughter Janelle (Ryan Gyba). Dora is survived by her sisters, Kristine (Palmi Sigvaldason), Doreen (John Howk), Margaret Anderson (Jim Bowman), Lillian (Lawrence Romaniuk); brothers, Beggie (Josephine), Martin (Barbara) and sisters-in-law, Mae Anderson, Marjorie Anderson, Valdine (Anton Peterson). She is also survived by the Olafson family, Helga (George Gerrard), Esther Blais, Viola (Jim Mark), Connie (Charlie Ostertag), and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her infant grandson, Tyler Olafson; Rosa and Luke Charney, Magnus Anderson, Oli Anderson, Harold Anderson, Harry and Beatrice Olafson, Joyce and Brodie Thordarson, Leo Blais, Fjola Olafson. Magnus and Rannveig Anderson of Ledwyn, MB named their third child Bjarndora after two of her grandparents. Dora married Steve in 1945 and they enjoyed 60 years of marriage before he passed away in September 2005. Dora and Steve always lived in Riverton and were partners with their son Dan in their trucking company, Riverton Transfer Ltd. When Mom wasn't doing things for her four children, she was driving trucks, running errands, coordinating freight trips on the winter roads on the telephone and two-way radios. Mom's passing has been a shock for all. Mom was 87 years young - two weeks short of her 88th birthday - and extremely independent. She exercised regularly and ate healthy home-cooked food, enjoyed yoga, zumba, line dancing, aquasizes, golfing, visiting with friends and relatives, going to concerts/recitals and bought every raffle ticket in support of local groups. She was a historian and it only took a phone call to get any information needed. Mom genuinely wanted to keep up with her 69 nieces and nephews. Mom was known for her great hugs, had a unique laugh, was extremely generous, an inspiration to many, and we have heard comments she was born before her time. She worked hard and could do anything she set her mind to. She was a talented seamstress and taught many women her afghan knitting pattern. Over the years she was involved in Riverton organizations - Women's Institute, Figure Skating Club, Lutheran Church, and for more than 20 years she was on the Board of Directors at Riverdale Place Workshop and Riverton Group Home. Mom moved to Gimli in October 2007 and enjoyed her life at Rotary Towers. She joined Gimli Curves in March 2008 and had her 875th visit to Curves on the morning of December 10 - it was that evening she took ill. On November 30 mom, Carol, Gunna, Susie, Doreen and Crystal had their 23rd annual Christmas cookie party. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 21, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the Riverton-Hnausa Lutheran Church, 53 Riverton Ave. E. with Pastor Jane Zinken officiating. A reception will follow at the Riverton Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dora's memory can be made to the Riverton-Hnausa Lutheran Church, Box 149, Riverton, MB R0C 2R0 or a charity of your choice. Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. Dr. Seuss Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Dec 19, 2012
DORA OLAFSON Peacefully, on Monday, December 17, 2012, at the Gimli Community Health Centre, Dora Olafson, aged 87 years, of Gimli, MB, formerly of Riverton, MB, beloved wife of the late Stefan. Full obituary to follow in Wednesday's edition of the Free Press. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Dec 18, 2012
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 19, 2012
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Hey Mom! I miss you more than words can say.. Glad that you and dad are together today to spend what would have been your 68th wedding anniversary! We love you to the moon and back! - Posted by: Marla (Daughter) on: Apr 15, 2013
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My condolences to you Danny, Janice, Coleen, Marla and your families. Your Mom was really something! She was an amazing woman who could do anything and drive everything. She was always an inspiration to me. As a family you were such wonderful neighbors during our Riverton days. When my Mom moved to Gimli Dora was always so helpful to her and Mom was delighted when they became neighbors again. I’ll always think of Dora. All the best to you, Lorraine and Garnett - Posted by: Lorraine Thorarinson Betts (friend, cousin and former Riverton neighbor) on: Jan 12, 2013
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I have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Steve & Auntie Dora and the times spent with all of you in Riverton - when we were young. The last time I saw her she held me so tight - kissed me and told me that "things will get easier Elskun. you'll see - just remember that they are always with you in your heart" so now I am passing on her hug - her kiss & her words of wisdom. I just wish she had told me exactly when they start getting easier. Dan - Janice - Colleen & Marla and families - I love you all and am very sorry that I could not be there with you physically - but my heart is there with you - just has another crack in it. Our Thoughts - Prayers & Love are with you Connie - Red - Axel - Heather - Riley -Mikaela Ann - Posted by: Connie Champagne (Niece) on: Dec 21, 2012
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I was shocked and saddened to hear about Auntie Dora's passing. I had gotten to know her better in the last few years when she was living in Gimli. My kids and I really enjoyed our visits with her. My son Gervais said she made the best meatloaf he had ever tasted and both he and Simone were impressed by her mini-trampoline and her active life. Her vitality and zest for life should be an inspiration for us all... - Posted by: Paulette Blais (Niece) on: Dec 21, 2012
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Dear Danny, Janice,C olleen, Marla & familes, Grant and I were very saddened to hear of your Mother's sudden change in her health and passing. We are sending you our sincere condolences and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Your Mom was a very special friend to me, as we shared hugs and many good laughs over the years. I always looked forward to seeing her at the many special gatherings in Riverton- as she had a genuine interest in many of us who grew up in Riverton. I will remember fondly, her bright smile, her hugs and her hearty laugh. Sincerely, Margaret and Grant Ogonowski - Posted by: Margaret Ogonowski (Friend) on: Dec 20, 2012
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We are shocked at Dora's passing; as you said, she was an example of health. We all must be prepared for our own passing into the arms of our Lord. We never know when the call will come. We will miss her dearly; R-H and the Rotary won't be the same without seeing her there. Our condolences to each of Dora's family members and to our church family members. - Posted by: Michael & Norma Cone (church family) on: Dec 20, 2012
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Dora was a very special lady! She always welcomed me into her home when I was little Patsy Johnson, Marlas' friend, as well as being the girl from next door. I'll always remember many of those times, as well as our visit this fall when she welcomed me in joining their family Thanksgiving Dinner! My condolences for her family and friends. I will definitely 'smile because it happened.' - Posted by: Patsy Zdrill (friend and former neighbor in Riverton) on: Dec 19, 2012
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We are so sorry to hear of Dora's passing. She was such a warm hearted lady. I know that the family will have a huge void in their lives for ever. One day I am going to buy your lunch Dora, no questions asked! Our sincere condolences got out to each and every one of you. Gloria & Spatch - Posted by: Gloria Sakatch (friend) on: Dec 19, 2012
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She was a wonderful lady, so friendly, energetic and full of life. - Posted by: Natalia Eyolfson () on: Dec 19, 2012
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We will miss Auntie Dora. She was a fun loving person who was always up for a story about what was new in our family and was interested in what was transpiring. Her active life showed her young at heart way of life. Always a smile on her face, we will remember her this way. Our thoughts are with your families. Love Lois, Dennis and family - Posted by: LOIS + DENNIS OSTASH (NIECE) on: Dec 19, 2012
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I have such wonderful memories of my Auntie Dora. My love and condolences to Danny, Janice, Colleen, Marla and their fsmilies. - Posted by: Christine Bertram (niece) on: Dec 19, 2012
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Aunt Dora's laugh and love will be missed very much! I will never forget her big hello and goodbye hugs! Her joy for life and all it brought are an example of what we can all aspire to and to follow. - Posted by: Grant (nephew) on: Dec 18, 2012