ESTELLA FRANCES HALLGRIMSON (JOHNSTON)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ESTELLA FRANCES HALLGRIMSON (nee JOHNSTON) granddaughter of pioneers! 1917 - 2005 It is with profound sadness that the family of Estella Frances Hallgrimson announce her passing on Sunday, July 24, 2005 at Deer Lodge Centre. She was 88 years old. A lifelong resident of Winnipeg, (52 years on Elm Street), she was recently resident at Deer Lodge Centre. Estella was predeceased by her parents, Amy (Knowles) Lindsay and Guy Johnston; and her beloved husband Bjorn, in 1981. Estella's grandparents left Chelsea, England and immigrated to Manitoba in 1884 looking for clean air and a place to grow a family. They were among the original homesteaders who settled in the Emerson area. Mom spent a good deal of time on the farm in her early years but lived most of her adult life in Winnipeg. Estella and Bjorn raised five children: Linda (Deno), Val (Blair), Elaine (Bill), Byron (Sharon) and Judy. Estella was a devoted loving grandmother to Chris, Alex, Kristin, Cullen, Aaron (Kelly), Ali, Jerry and Katy. As well, she leaves many nieces and nephews and cousins to mourn her passing. Throughout the years, connections with extended family were very important to her. Family, education, community and church were the cornerstones on which Estella built her life. We were all taught to believe that education was the key to ensuring a successful future for each one of us. Mom was passionate in her support of her family's educational achievements. Continuing education courses for seniors at the University of Winnipeg were a part of her retirement activities and she enjoyed discussing the interesting ideas she encountered with us. As a young mother, Estella served as President of the River Heights Community Centre, where her children spent many happy years participating in sports and cultural activities. At the same time Mom was raising a family, she was employed outside the home at a variety of jobs in an era when this was a relatively new role for women. She was a founding member of Saint Peter's Church, serving on the vestry and altar guild, and remained an active contributing member until her death. Estella had an active interest in politics and encouraged committed NDP candidates, particularly women, to represent their community. Her love of political debate and her involvement in community issues was an instructive experience for her children and grandchildren. Mom's courage and indomitable spirit were evident to all who knew her. Her good humour and lively interest in life were qualities much admired by all her friends and family. She will be sorely missed! Sincere thanks are extended to Mom's many caregivers but especially to Nancy Hominiuk who supported her over a number of years. Staff at St. Boniface Hospital (4B) and Deer Lodge Centre are gratefully acknowledged as are the residents and staff at The Wellington where she spent 15 happy months. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of a life well lived may be made to St. Peter's Church, 755 Elm St., R3M 3N8, or the Lucille Ono Fund in support of women candidates, in care of New Democratic Party, 803 - 294 Portage Ave., R3C 0B9, or a charity of your choice. Celebration of Estella's life will be held at St. Peter's Church (Elm and Grant), Tuesday, August 2 at 7:30 p.m. Rev. Phil Barnett officiating. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 29, 2005