MARY ARNASON

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MARY ARNASON August 2, 1925 - January 9, 2015 On the evening of January 9th 2015, Mary Arnason slipped away from the arms of her loving family into the heavenly embrace of her husband Hjortur Andy (1977) and son Ron (2005). Missing her are daughter, Wendy, son-in-law, Bryan Furst, granddaughters, Christa Yeates (Patrick), Tracy and Amanda Furst, great-grandsons, Connor and Cullen, daughter-in-law Carol Bergen and family, sister Irene (Percy Roberts), brothers, Jim (Joey), Lorne (Jean), many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by parents, Jim and Edna Irwin. Mary was born and raised on the farm in the Markland district. She and Andy were married in 1947 and started raising their family, first in Brooklands, and finally in Weston. To help out with the family coffers, Mary became a Tupperware lady, sewed and sold oven mitts to the Bay for the lofty sum of $2/pair, knit sweaters and such for sale at craft shows, and kept up to four RRC student boarders at a time. Her hands were never idle. The vast majority of her endeavours were performed not for profit, but out of love. She would knit baby clothes for gifts and mitts for the Cheer Board, beautiful afghans with panels of outdoor scenes and the like for nieces, nephews, grandchildren and good friends, cross stitch clocks, pictures and tree ornaments, sew clothes for her family, as well as doll clothes, tap dance costumes and even a wedding dress, prepare meals and pack lunches for her extended family, bake cookies, jelly cookies and cinnamon buns being staples, and several vinarterta at Christmastime to be given away as gifts (in a round tin lined with wax paper, of course), and help family members through tough times. Mary never let the birthday of a niece or nephew slip by without a card and small gift. That's the kind of person she was. The Arnason household became the gathering place for Ron and Wendy's friends. Mary always had coffee and cookies for friends and family when they dropped in. Andy and Mary were able to enjoy a trip to Iceland in 1974, and also had the privilege of hosting visitors from Iceland on a couple of occasions. With the birth of her grandchildren Mary became a very proud and doting Amma and eventually a great-Amma. She revelled at the chance to look after her grandchildren. This became special time to do crafts together, bake, read Golden Books, listen to records, travel together, spend time at the lake and for a special treat, walk to Robins Donuts. She also enjoyed cheering on the girls at ringette games. Later on, she found joy in more knitting, preparing a family tree, gardening, travelling, bowling, feeding the birds, doing puzzles, watching Tommy Hunter, listening to country stars of the day, with Sundays being reserved for church and bashing out a letter or two on her trusty typewriter. Amma will be missed by all who loved her. Our thanks to Dr. Blom and the special staff at RHC. A private interment is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her granddaughter's charity at www.buildherohome.com, a charity of your choice, or simply sit back, enjoy a cup of coffee and think of Mary. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2015