Magnfridur (Maggie) Thorsteinsson

Maggie Thorsteinsson passed away with family by her side on July 19, 2025 at 7 Oaks Hospital at 83 years of age.  She was predeceased by her beloved husband Johann (Joe) and her son Johann.

Maggie is survived by her children Arnar (Jeanet) and Karol (Jennifer) in Winnipeg, and Hildur (Hannes) and Valur from Iceland.  She has two grandchildren (Anthony and Duncan), and one great-grandchild (Sophia) in Winnipeg and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Iceland.  She also leaves behind her sister Brynhildur and brother Fridthjofur, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Maggie was born in Skinnalon, Iceland and raised on a farm. She moved to Raufarhofn, Iceland when she was 11 years old.  She met a charismatic Canadian (Joe) who came to Iceland to work in the fisheries.  They were married in Iceland, although Joe always claimed he wasn’t sure they were married or not as the entire services was completed in Icelandic.  Maggie swore she wouldn’t leave the country without a ring on her finger.  She immigrated to Canada in 1966 with her new husband Johann Thorsteinsson and young son Arnar.

Throughout her life time Maggie worked in a fishery, cleaning office buildings, and as a health care aide at Holy Family Nursing Home.  Most of her work life was spent at Holy Family where she made some life long friends, before retiring at age 71.  She continued to work casually at Holy Family for many years afterwards. 

Maggie did not support a specific charity, but she was a supporter of people and would support anyone who asked her to buy something to support their cause.  She often ended up with boxes of chocolates she couldn’t eat or coupon cards she wouldn’t use.  She was everyone’s ‘Mom’ and took care of anyone who came into her home.  No one went away hungry or feeling unloved.  If the friend of one of her kids was having difficulty at home, they came to her and stayed at her house until they were back on their feet. There was always room for another person at the dinner table.

In her last days Maggie spoke of the excitement of her family coming from Iceland and what she hoped to do with them.  They arrived July 23.  Every time she spoke with a member of her family she told them how proud she is of them, what a good person they are, and how much she loved them.

The family would like to thank the Care Team at Seven Oaks Hospital for all they did for Maggie in her last weeks of life. 

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 1:00pm at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., Winnipeg.  Internment will be conducted separately as a private affair.

Flowers are gratefully declined but donations in Maggie’s name may be made to the charity of your choice.