08/25/2026
I was so very saddened to read of Maria Johnson’s passing. ❤️💔🌹
Maria was such a sweet, kind and wonderful lady, and a very dear friend and supporter of the Arborg & District Multicultural Heritage Village. For so many years, she generously gave us her time as a volunteer, whether she was helping as a guide for our Icelandic bus tours, sitting beside me taking money at the door at our different events, or simply lending a hand wherever she was needed.
One of my favourite memories will always be watching Maria visit with our guests from Iceland. She spoke Icelandic so beautifully and fluently that you would have thought she had just arrived from Iceland herself! Our Icelandic visitors absolutely loved talking with her, and she took such pride and pleasure in being able to welcome them in their own language. 🇮🇸❤️
But most of all, we just loved having Maria with us. She was so much fun to work with, and there were always plenty of laughs and giggles when she was around. She brought such warmth, kindness and friendship to the Heritage Village, and we have so many wonderful memories of the years we were privileged to spend with her.
It means so much to us that Maria’s family has named the Heritage Village for memorial donations. What a beautiful and meaningful way to honour someone who gave so generously of herself to our Village and helped preserve and share the Icelandic heritage that meant so much to her.
My heartfelt sympathy and love go out to Brian and Lorna, Leo and Deborah, Albert, and all of Maria’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family. Please know how very much your mom was loved and appreciated by all of us who had the privilege and honour of knowing and working alongside her.
Maria will be so sadly missed, but she will always have a special place in our hearts and in the memories of the Heritage Village. Rest peacefully, dear Maria. ❤️🌹🇮🇸 Góða nótt, elsku María. ❤️🇮🇸🌹
