LYDIA PAULINE HJARTARSON

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LYDIA PAULINE HJARTARSON Lydia Pauline Hjartarson (nee Schwartz) passed away peacefully on June 24, 2018 in the Elisabeth Bruyere Palliative Care Unit in Ottawa with family at her side. Lydia was born in Winnipeg on October 9, 1924. She married Arni Ivar Hjartarson, the love of her life, on January 1, 1944. When he rejoined the RCAF following the Second World War, she embraced life in the military, making a home for her children at various bases across Canada and in Lahr, Germany before finally settling in Ottawa. A devoted wife and mother, Lydia centered her life on family; she took joy in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; pride in her cooking and pleasure in organizing family celebrations. She came most fully alive in the company of others and delighted in making new friends. She was always up for challenges, from bowling and curling in her early years to gardening and knitting later in life. She was an avid reader, fitness enthusiast, and loved listening to music. She left an indelible mark on family and friends alike and will forever be remembered for her generosity and kindness. Lydia is predeceased by her parents, George and Molly Schwartz, by her brothers, Walter and Jack, by her husband Arni and by her son Bob Schwartz. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her sisters, Elsie (Donetz) and Ruth (Shaver); by her children, Freida (Biswarup), Paul (Barbara), Sharon (Bob), Fay, Lynn and David; by her grandchildren, Aune (Drew), Bryn (Leila), Elizabeth, Emma, Jason, Joshua (Magda), Kaley, Ari Kendra and Laura; by her great-grandchildren, Ada, Aya, Eirikur, Kai, Leo and Taavi; and by nieces, nephews and friends. The family would like to thank the many people involved in providing exceptional care for our mom at the Rideau Place Retirement Residence. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. at First United Church, 347 Richmond Road in Ottawa. At her wish, she was cremated. Following the service, a reception will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice. One of Lydia's favourite charities was the Ottawa Mission.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2018