GUDRUN (RUNA) SIGURROS BJORNSON
1934-2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Runa Bjornson on Wednesday April 20th, 2022 at the Arborg Personal Care Home.
Runa lived to see five generations of her family. She was a beloved Mother, Grandmother (Amma), Great-Grandmother, Great-Great Grandmother, sister, and friend. Left to cherish her memory are her children Lynn (Julie), Lee (Ross) Schnell, Raymond (June), Norman (Ivy), and Barry (Therese); grandchildren Carrie (Neale) Rushoway, Chris Schnell (Ardella), Vicki (Jonathan) Hack, Rayma (Chris), Rebecca (Tony), Stephanie (Ryan), and Ryan; great-grandchildren Jayden (Stephanie) Rushoway, and Cole Rushoway (Nicole) and great-great grandsons Rowen and Sullivan Rushoway. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Donald Bjornson and his wife Hedy, her sisters-in-law Alda Johnson, Maggie Johnson, Nell Bjornson, Margaret Tobin, and numerous nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of 57 years, Franklin, her parents Olafer and Emma Johnson, brothers John and Robert Johnson, sister and brother-in-law Thordis & Herb Reedel. Also, her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Sveinbjorg and Jack Bjornson, Solrun and Peter Christiansen, Kristin and Thor Bjornson, Mary and Siggi Bjornson, John Bjornson and Moe Tobin; nephews Kris Bjornson, Brant Johnson, Herby Reedel, and great nephew Braden.
Runa was born on May 2, 1934, in Winnipeg Manitoba, and grew up on the family homestead in Arnes, Manitoba. She graduated from Normal School in Winnipeg, and taught at the Bradbury School near Arnes, Manitoba. Her love of music and dancing, brought her to the Geyser Hall where she met Franklin - the love of her life. They were married on August 7th, 1954, and together raised 5 children in their home on the Bjornson farm just west of Arborg, Manitoba.
Runa was an ambitious home maker. She kept a large garden and a lovely yard filled with flower gardens and apple trees. Family, friends and neighbours were very important to Runa. Everyone was always welcome at her table, whether they came for a special event or just to stop in at the farm for coffee and cake. Mom and Dad made a special effort to attend all family milestone events over the years, often helping with preparations.
Runa was active in her community volunteering for the Red Cross, the Framnes Ladies Aid and Meals on Wheels. She belonged to the local Ladies curling and baseball leagues. At the age of 50 when her children were grown, she decided to work outside the home; initially at the Arborg Feed Mill and then at the Arborg Bargain Shop. She and Dad enjoyed fishing, camping and travelling across Canada, the United States, Iceland, and they cruised through the Panama Canal.
Runa lived her last 16 years in the Arborg Personal Care Home where she received excellent care. We are very grateful to the Arborg Personal Care Home staff for allowing Mom to live her last years with dignity.
Goda Nott Amma Runa
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arborg Personal Care Home-Recreation or a charity of your choice.
A funeral service will take place outdoors, under a tent on the grounds of the Arborg Heritage Village on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.. (Please bring a lawn chair). Pastor Theo Robinson officiating.
Interment will be at the Arborg Community Cemetery.