The Icelandic Canadian - 01.04.2009, Side 42

84
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
Vol. 62 #2
Reflection
Margret Sigfusson
by J.G.J.
reprinted from The Icelandic Canadian June 1944, Volume 2 #4
Our pioneer settlements usually had among their people some individuals who, because
of special attainments and natural endowments were able to give invaluable leadership and
assistance during the early difficult years of settlement. They were the organizers of social life;
they were the prime movers in establishing schools and churches, and in initiating local
improvements. Most valued of all, in those pioneers days, were the ones who could give aid
when sickness or accidents occurred. Such was Margret Sigfusson, who for so many years
ministered with skill and devotion to the people in her district. It is as a fitting tribute that we
here give this brief sketch of this grand old lady.
The pioneers who settled in the marshy district east of the Narrows on Lake Manitoba,
found themselves about one hundred miles distant from the nearest railway and the nearest
doctor. Travel, especially in summer, was very difficult; for the only roads were the primitive
trails skirting the swamps or marshy inlets of the lake. Travel in summer was therefore, as
often as not on foot, in winter, by open sleigh.
Just at the turn of the century, Mr. and Mrs. Sigurdur Sigfusson came from Iceland and
settled in this district. Mrs. Sigfusson had had some training and experience in nursing in the
Old Country. They were to be of inestimable benefit to the people among whom the
Sigfussons came to live. Mrs. Sigfusson was soon making frequent trips through the settle-
ment in response to calls for assistance. In spite of the many and arduous duties of a farmer's
wife; whatever the season or weather, big-hearted Mrs. Sigfusson was always ready to answer
such appeals. In summer these journeys often involved miles of walking over difficult terrain,
had to be made on foot; in winter, there were long cold drives. Sometimes she was away from
her home a matter of hours; sometimes for days.
During the years when medical help was rarely available, she took charge of maternity
cases in the district. Here she was remarkably successful; for she never lost a patient, —sure-
ly a testimony to her good judgment, painstaking care and faithful attention. Mrs. Sigfusson
has long since lost count of the number of cases she has attended; they were not a matter of
financial record or publicity.
The people of the district hold Mrs. Sigfusson in high esteem, and on two occasions have
given warm and tangible expression of their love for her. In 1918, after her recovery from an
illness, they gave her a banquet and presented her with some fine pieces of furniture. In 1940,
a number of the younger people whose mothers she had attended held a gathering in her hon-
our and gave her a silver loving cup. On that occasion the late Rev. Gudmundur Arnason, on
behalf of the people of the district paid a glowing tribute to the many years of unselfish ser-
vice she had given in the settlement.
Although more than eighty years of age, Margret Sigfusson is still hale and hearty; and
loved by young and old, is not without honour in the community which she so long and
devotedly served.