KAREN MARGRET ELLIOTT

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KAREN MARGRET (JOHANNSON) ELLIOTT We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Karen Margret (Johannson) Elliott on December 15, 2015 at the Selkirk & District General Hospital. A loving and caring mother, amma, sister, and friend, she will be dearly missed by all. Karen was predeceased by her husband Sherman, her parents, Stefan and Elin Johannson, and sister-in-law Mavis Kolodie. She leaves to mourn her children Sheila (Kevin), Shayne (Jan), Gayle (Brad), Stewart and Tim Vermaak, her grandchildren, Braden and Axel Albertson, Erik, Johann and Lilja Elliott, and Kyrra and Jorunn Vermaak, her sisters Jo-Anne Gullachsen, Charlotte (Dave) Douglas, Tanya Emily (Bill) Johannson, and Maureen (Al) Johannson, sister-in-law Karen (Dan) Laing, brother-in-law Grant Kolodie, and numerous nieces and nephews. Karen was born in Gimli, Manitoba on September 13, 1941 and attended elementary school at Minerva School and high school at Gimli High School. Following graduation she moved to Winnipeg and worked at Fraser Art Supplies. Following the passing of her father she returned to Gimli to help her mother care for her three younger sisters, the youngest two being 13 and 6 years of age. Besides helping with farm chores, she also worked as a clerk typist at the Gimli Air Base. During this time she met and fell in love with Sherman Elliott and they were married on May 16, 1970. They spent 44 happy years together raising their family and pursuing their mutual interests in nature, exploring, travelling, building their dream cottage on the lake and of course, helping others who were in need of a helping hand. In her teen years, Karen was an active member of the Minnow Creek (now Minerva) 4-H club. She participated in the dairy calf club and the sewing club earning prize ribbons in both. With her expert use of the "clippers", she made sure the calves were ready for achievement day. Karen also guided her own children through their years as members of the Minerva 4-H Club. Karen was an active member of the Minerva Ladies Aid, the Eastern Star and could be depended on for her contributions to these organizations. Karen took on a leadership role early in life as she stood in the breach when her father died leaving her young siblings behind. She helped her mother with the formidable work load that a dairy farm brings, as well as holding down a secretarial position at the air base. She was always ready to welcome you into her home and was always willing to spend quality time. She always thought about others first, and was the first to offer help if you needed it. In Karen, people found sympathy, understanding, and advice. To her sisters, she was their rock and voice of reason. We will miss her dearly. Karen was a worthy descendent of the early Icelandic settlers and possessed the strength and endurance of a true Icelander. There are not many like her. Karen's greatest legacy are her children and grandchildren. They are testament to her loving care and the values she instilled in them. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Minerva Ladies Aid in Gimli, Manitoba. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Goda Nott Elskan. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 19, 2015