THELMA MYRDAL

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THELMA MYRDAL April 3, 1929 - June 4, 2018 A legacy of kindness, hard work, compassion and love began on Wednesday, April 3, 1929 in Oakview, Manitoba when Thelma, sister to Audrey, Norma, Lois, Frank (Joey) and Herman was born to Johannes and Bergthora (Heida) Johnson. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Mundi, sisters, Audrey, Norma and Lois and brother Joey. A beautiful woman who charmed a handsome man. In late 1947 she met the love of her life, Gudmundur (Mundi) Myrdal, on a bus journey to Winnipeg and later at a dance at the I.O.G.T. Hall on Sargent Avenue. Only months later he proposed marriage and she accepted, on her birthday, April 3, 1948. Together they spent 59 years creating a story book life of love and ultimate devotion and support to one and other, their family and friends. To watch them dance through the years was evidence of the harmony and love between them. Many would stop and just watch as they floated together across the dance floor. Mundi passed on December 6, 2007. Mundi and his new bride first moved to Glenboro, MB. In the years to follow residence included Neepawa, Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Selkirk and Winnipeg. In the late summer of 1964 with a few possessions loaded into the trunk and backseat of the 1960 Chevy, the entire family made a move, for two years, to Toronto where Mundi pursued his Master's Degree and mother unselfishly devoted herself to family. Mother loved music. Self-taught on the piano and guitar, she graced many community gatherings. She loved dancing but when she was younger would play the piano so everyone else could dance, she made that piano come alive and the audience so thankful. Along with Mundi, she was her children's biggest supporter in their pursuit of music. As a purveyor of care, Mom told stories of treating working horses (the living - breathing future of a successful farm in the 1930s) with some extra attention, feeding them a little extra every other time she fed them. Hoping that in the days to follow, work would move a little further forward. The farm may prosper. She wanted them well fed and somewhat grateful for the little girl who made their life so much easier. While interests included needle point, sewing, knitting, gardening, teddy bears and garage sales, (so proud of her heritage, if she knit one, she knit hundreds of Icelandic Wool sweaters. A close second were the full motion teddy bears). Mother was the consummate homemaker with a finger on the pulse of our future. A devoted mother that seldom punished, but sometimes would reprimand her child for their indiscretion, always available for advice and support. Building that foundation for future contemplation, wisdom beyond our time. Later it made so much sense, no issue was ever dismissed as moot. Certainly our unsung hero. Countless, undying memories were created then and will last forever. She supported Dad's dreams, including accompanying her five beloved children into the middle of a previously undeveloped piece of bush in Northern Ontario to build log cabins and a log boathouse with her sister Norma and her husband Gestur Kristjansson. WOW a family treasure that exists today. Mother loved life and most of all, her family. Her sober perspective, selfless spirit and sense of humour will forever remain in the hearts of her children, Randy, Joan (Greg Carter), Patrick (Julie), Norma Jane and Jon (Betty), grandchildren, Chelsa (Dennis) and Ian Carter, Alex (Molly) and Katie Brett, great-grandson Lincoln and many extended family members, friends and all who knew her. To everyone, as Mom said, "Keep smiling! It makes people wonder what you're up to!" The world has lost a beautiful soul and heaven has gained the kindest angel. We are so fortunate to experience and spend so many wonderful and meaningful interactions over our lifetimes with her and are so thankful for that. We hope heaven is full of good coffee, mashed potatoes and garage sales. Thelma, daughter, sister, wife, mother, amma and friend, you are forever in our hearts. We miss you already and will forever. Goda nott elskan. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for family and friends, Monday, June 11, 2018, 1:00 p.m. at the Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery). NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 09, 2018