Obituary of Anna Sigrun Telfer

Anna Sigrun Telfer

(December 7, 1923 – February 12, 2023)

Sigrun was born at Elfros, Saskatchewan and grew up on the family farm.  Anna passed away peacefully at Oliver Lodge on February 12, 2023 at the age of 99 years and two months.  She is survived by her daughter Jean, son Donald, two granddaughters, Emma and Dana, her sister Helga, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Peter, her son-in-law Michael, and one sister, six brothers, three sisters-in-law and five brothers-in-law.  

She was the third youngest in her family with five older brothers, Jon, Arni, Dan, Kari, Gudjon, an older sister Villa, and a younger sister, Helga, and a younger brother, Einar.  Her parents, Johannes Gislason and Sigurveig Arnason, owned a small mixed farm.

She met Peter at a dance in Saskatoon and they were married in 1953.  She became a widow in 2015 with the death of Peter.  The couple lived in Saskatoon for most of her life.    They had two children and for a short time, the family lived in Melfort.  They returned to Saskatoon and bought a house in North Park and lived there for most of their life together.  

She was a knitter and quilter.  She made many afghans, toques, mittens, scarves, and quilts which she gave to family members or donated to charities.  She also began to volunteer at RUH in the gift shop as a clerk.  She was a long-time volunteer at the hospital and enjoyed donating her time.

They were gardeners, when they lived in their home, and after moving to Hector Trout, they continued to keep a small garden plot.  Her and Peter enjoyed summers caring for the yard.  They always had an assortment of beautiful flowers and gladiolas in a range of colours.  For a time, their gladiolas were numerous enough for purchase by a florist.  

Their two granddaughters brought her great joy and a desire to always stop by for a short visit to see how everyone was.   They planned their afternoons to include a trip to the elementary school to see if anyone needed a ride home.  She attended dance recitals and school presentations and was very proud of her granddaughters. 

Her final years were a gradual decline in health and mobility.  She lived at Primrose Chateau after Peter’s death when she was finding it harder to manage on her own.   She was always clear in her mind and enjoyed bingo, and the activities offered by Primrose Chateau.  Her final years were marred by COVID, the isolation for care home residents, and her own declining health.  It was very hard on her to not have visitors.  When she lost her ability to walk on her own she was admitted to Oliver Lodge where she received excellent care, but still isolated for a time due to COVID restrictions.  She was happier when care homes were again allowed to have visitors and outside entertainers.  Her body finally just stopped and she passed away peacefully in her room at Oliver Lodge.  She will be remembered as a woman who was very proud of her Icelandic roots and loved all her extended family.  A memorial service will be held at Saskatoon Funeral Home on May 11th, 2023 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations in her name to any Saskatoon charity.