HELGA BJORG DAHLMAN

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HELGA BJORG DAHLMAN On July 19, 2013, our mom, amma and lang amma passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Gimli Betel Home after a long struggle with dementia. She was predeceased by her husband, Cecil (on June 14, 1988); her parents Einar and Margaret Thorbergson; brothers Steinberg and Thorbergur; sister Herdis (Dori Eastman); brother-in-law Erle Dahlman (Paulina); sister-in-law Stina Johnson. She is survived by her daughters Phyllis (Harold Thorkelson), and Laura (Morley McLeod); sons Thor (Sandra) and Robert (Helga); 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Helga was born on July 5, 1918 by the banks of the Icelandic River and lived in Riverton until her move to Betel in 2006. She was a proud Icelander that spoke and read the language, traveling to Iceland four times to visit with her family and friends. Icelandic traditions and foods were an important part of all family celebrations. Helga was a very involved person in the community and served on different committees, such as the Riverton Women's Institute (founding member), the Red Cross, Lutheran Sunday School (as Superintendent), was a member of the church choir, a member of the Adult Day Care Program and a member of the first Riverton Curling Club. She enjoyed playing sports, and was an avid sports fan. She loved playing baseball as a young woman and curled until she was in her 70s. Cecil and Helga followed their son's hockey team and the Riverton Lions hockey team to games all around Manitoba. She had a love for gambling. She appreciated a good game of cards, Bingo and playing the slots. Upon her passing, her granddaughter Marni wrote the following: Today in a room full of her children and grandchildren, my Amma Helga left us. She was a strong, intelligent, proud Icelandic woman who lived life to the fullest. She had just turned 95. Thank-you for being an incredible female role model Amma! Thank-you for teaching me the value of family and my heritage, to help others in need, to laugh, sing and dance because this keeps our heart and soul young. Today you are reunited with your soul mate, who has waited a long time to see you. I love you with all my heart and will think of you always. You were always my rock and one of the few people who poses a challenge in cards. I will see you again one day.' Thank you to all the caregivers at Gimli Betel Home for the care of Mom, Amma and the support of the home care workers who cared for her before entering Betel. A celebration of Helga's life will be held Friday, July 26, 2013 at Riverton Hnausa Lutheran Church in Riverton at 2:00 p.m. Honorary pallbearers will be her four grandsons Kris Thorkelson, Ian McLeod, Eric Dahlman and Steven Dahlman. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10 - 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2 or Riverton Hnausa Lutheran Church, Riverton, MB R0C 2R0. Goda nott elskan Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Jul 24, 2013

HELGA BJORG DAHLMAN Peacefully, on Friday, July 19, 2013, at the Gimli Betel Home, Helga Dahlman, aged 95 years, formerly of Riverton, Manitoba. Full obituary to follow. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements
Publish Date: Jul 22, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 24, 2013