JONINA STEFANIA MARTIN

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JONINA STEFANIA MARTIN Peacefully after a brief illness on April 21, 2015 at the Arborg & District Health Centre, Jonina Stefania Martin (nee Gudjonsson), aged 98, of Riverton passed away, beloved mother, amma, great amma, sister and friend. Left to cherish her memories are daughters Sigga (Valdi) of Riverton, MB, Rikka (Brian) of Comox BC; grandchildren Valdimar (Alison), Warren, Chad (Lori-Anne), Nielle (Garry), Neals (Shelley), Jen (Rob), Trent, Krista (Matthew); great-grandchildren Justine (Sam), Trevor, and their mother Karen; Jennifer Ashley, Lauryn, Keenan, Bryden, Tristan, Elysha, Jenna-Marie, Erik, Sara, Melanie, Avery, Justine V. (Andrew), Matthew, Fridrikka and Arwen; honorary great-grandchildren Gracyn and Colton; step great-grandchildren Brad, Christine, Scott, Brent, Felicia (Stewart) and step great-great-grandson Mason. Jonina is also survived by her sister Astros and numerous nieces and nephews. Jonina was predeceased by her loving husband Fredrik Martin; parents Jakob and Sigga; brothers Sveinn, Albert, Arni, Kristin, and sister Sveinbjorg; brothers-in-law Jack, Siggi, Chris, David and Leifi; and sisters-in-law Snjolaug, Bjorg and Steina. Loa was born in Hnausa, MB, November 27, 1916. Loa and Fred were married May 26, 1937 and spent 65 wonderful years together. Together they enjoyed farming until their retirement in 1990. Amma's greatest treasure was her family, and she was affectionately known as "Amma Arnes" to many. Amma shared her stories of how Afi could always find four leaf clovers and together they delicately pressed each one with loving care. Afi would always shower Amma with many beautiful wild flowers, pussy willows, and bouquets of dandelions which he picked in abundance for his Loa. Pansies were also a favorite in Arnes as Amma and Afi said they resembled smiling faces. We always admired the love and admiration they had for each other. Amma was a kind and gentle woman who will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Amma was an accomplished knitter and everyone left Amma's house with a colorful pair of mittens or socks for the winter. Amma also enjoyed quilting, sewing, and the beauty of nature. Amma loved to bake and coffee was always on. The great-grandchildren especially loved Amma's ice-box cookies which were always served with a cold glass of milk for dipping. Amma was an excellent historian, and never forgot a birthday. Everyone patiently waited for their birthday because we all knew there was a delicious chocolate cake waiting for us. Amma's greatest gift was her family and would often tell us "she was the luckiest woman in the world." We were the lucky ones to have her in our lives. Amma had so much love and admiration for all of us. Her pallbearers will be her grandsons Valdimar, Warren, Chad, Neals, and great-grandsons Tristan, Trevor and Keenan. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons Trent and Matthew. Amma was thankful for all the friendships she made at the Icelandic River Lodge. Huge thanks to the wonderful home care ladies in Riverton, Amma appreciated everything they have done for her and thought of them as her own family. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Donnelly, Pat Barkman CRN, and all nursing staff at the Arborg Hospital for their care and compassion throughout the years and during her brief illness. Funeral services will be held on Monday April 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Riverton-Hnausa Lutheran Church with Pastor Gary Schenk officiating. Interment will follow in the Hnausa Cemetery In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire they can make a donation in Jonina's memory to Riverton-Hnausa Lutheran Church. Goda Nott Elskan Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Apr 25, 2015

JONINA STEFANIA MARTIN Peacefully, on Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at the Arborg Hospital, Jonina Martin, aged 98 years, of Riverton, MB, passed away. Full obituary to follow in Saturday's edition of the Free Press. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Apr 23, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2015