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Sigrún (Runa) Cuffling, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, died on January 20, 2010 in Victoria, BC. She was born on April 17, 1914 at Bífrost, MB to Eiríkur and Margrét Bardarson. She grew up at Geysir, MB, and in 1946 moved to the Columbia Valley with her 1st husband Sigurjón (John) and their three children to take up a Veterans Homestead across the river at Parson, BC. In the 1960’s Runa & John built a house at 8 Mile, near Horse Creek, where they lived until 1968, when they moved into Golden. In 1988, after her second marriage, Runa achieved a goal she always dreamed of – she moved to Victoria, where she spent many happy years. She enjoyed bowling, Jazz Festivals, bingo, and was a member of the Silver Threads and the Icelanders of Victoria.

Runa was very proud of her Icelandic heritage and strove to preserve the memories and language of this community. She donated Icelandic language tapes, and Icelandic books to the Icelandic Club’s library, gave Vinarterta lessons and encourage all to explore their Icelandic roots. She was made a honourary life member of the Icelanders of Victoria and the Icelandic National League of North America. She was an advocate for subscribing to the Löberg-Heimskringla and also shared her editions. Runa’s home was always a meeting place for family and friends. Runa, with her compassionate heart, would invite co-workers, neighbours and friends that she felt should not be alone on special occasions. She took great pleasure in preparing and baking for these gatherings with copious amounts of food and refreshments.

She is survived by her children: Dallas (Betty) Bjarnason of Golden, Ruth Sabo of Burlington ON, Gary (Sheila) Bjarnason of Golden, and Maggie Bjarnason of Lethbridge AB; grandchildren: Fred, Mary-Ellen, Donna, Lori, Nancy, Michael, Jane, Runa Anne, James, Ron, Melanie and Amy; great-grandchildren: Jodi, Brad, Travis, Bobbi-Marie, Breanna, Tanner, Kelsey, Dallas, Brooke, Levi, Aidan, Christopher, Jonathan, Jeffery, Jillian, Ginger, Michael, Abigail, and great-great-grandchildren: Alexis and Emily.

Sigrún was predeceased by her parents: Eiríkur and Margrét Bardarson, her first husband Sigurjón Bjarnason in 1975, her second husband John Edmund Cuffling in 1989, her sisters Inga, Valla, and her brothers Arnold, Siggi, Edgar and Hernit.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to Löberg-Heimskringla 100-283 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2B5, 1-800-564-2374, www.lh-inc.ca or lh@lh-inc.ca.



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