WILMA AUSTFJORD (SIGURGEIRSON)

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WILMA AUSTFJORD (SIGURGEIRSON) June 28, 1926 November 1, 2014 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and amma, Wilma Austfjord at the age of 88. Wilma was born on the shores of her beloved Hecla Island on June 28, the last day of school she would always say. She was the first born of five children and bore the responsibility of second mother that developed her character thru all her years. Wilma enjoyed her childhood with her brother, sisters, cousins and friends in a unique community of Hecla Island that so many have had the gift of experiencing. Wilma married Siggi Austfjord and began her family in Hecla with her children, Jon, Signey and Heather until they moved their home to Riverton. After Heather's passing, Wilma had her last child Brian. In spite of her life's difficulties and challenges, Wilma's spirit was always genuine, caring, loving, non judgemental and laughter to all her family, friends and whomever she met and always a good sport. Wilma had worked at the Riverton Post Office, taught Icelandic classes at the Riverton School, worked at the Hecla Hotel and the Hecla store with her cousin Richard, sharing laughter with all who came through the doors. Wilma was extremely proud of Hecla and loved it so. Although kind and soft spoken she never failed to speak her mind regarding history and family of the Island in strong discussion with her father Helgi, Uncle Dodi and brother Binnie and always stood her ground whether in Icelandic or English! Wilma was devoted to her parents as they lived in Hecla and Gimli and faithfully visited her mother Emma and Uncle Dodi at Betel until their passing. Most of Mom's life was dedicated to family, her parents, siblings and children and spent much of her spare time with her grandchildren. Wilma retired in Riverton living independently with Brian and Donna maintaining an active life with the Lutheran Church Ladies Aid, singing in the choir, New Horizon Club, swimming and her favourite scrap books and family pictures. Wilma eventually moved to a seniors' apartment in Gimli and continued an independent life. In spite of her limited hearing and vision, Amma always maintained contact with her children, grandchildren, siblings and cousins regarding current events and offering support and encouragement in all that we do. We could always count on Amma's never ending love and affection and genuine care and concern for our well being although at times she herself suffered. We have all been blessed as three children, eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and will truly miss our mother, amma and friend Wilma. Wilma was predeceased by her daughter Heather Gail, parents Helgi and Emma Sigurgeirson, brother Binnie Sigurgeirson and sister Marge Hurst. Wilma will be lovingly remembered by her sisters, Gladys (Raymond) Kjartanson of Winnipeg and Kristin Stevens of BC.; children; Jon Austfjord, Signey Austfjord and Brian (Donna) Austfjord; grandchildren; Bren (Bill) Clarke, Tommy (Gail) Gatchell, Steven (Kerri) Orbanski, Heidi (Dale) Grocholski, Christy (Justin) Aniuk, Asia (Ryan) Knutson, Rachelle Austfjord, Nathaniel Austfjord; great-grand- children; Kirstin, Ryan, Sarah, Amy, Stephanie, Benjamin, Loreli, Rachel, Shawn, Tucker, Chloe, Deegan and Skhyler Also extended family Marylin and Hugh Sigurdson of Hnausa, Crystal, Kevin, Kendall, Cindy, Daphane and extended grandchildren who loved her as Amma. Special thanks to the nursing staff at Gimli Hospital for their care and comfort of our Mother and Amma and their country hospitality. Funeral Services will be held at the Riverton Hnausa Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. with viewing at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Donna Smalley officiating. Interment will follow at the Riverton Cemetery. All welcome. Coffee and lunch at the Riverton Community Hall after interment. Donations in Wilma's memory may be made to the Riverton Hnausa Lutheran Church. We leave you with Amma's words that she has embedded on our hearts. I Love you... and I like you too! We love you Amma... Goda Nott. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 05, 2014