June Aldis Jaud

June 14th 1922 to February 3rd 2012

The ‘little girl from Kuroki’ as she used to call herself ‘if they could only see me now’, came a long way from rural Saskatchewan to become the wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother we have been blessed to know and love.

June's parents immigrated to Canada from Iceland in the early 1900s and homesteaded in Kristnes, Saskatchewan. As her brothers and sisters can attest to, June's reputation as a resourceful, resilient stoic individual was established early on, her demeanor well known and then well matched in the love of her life: Daniel. The two grew up together in Kuroki, Saskatchewan. At the tender age of fourteen June set her heart on Dan and after some years of courtship were married in 1941. The next sixty-four years were spent together raising five children, dancing, playing golf, crib, bridge and the ‘occasional’ round of horseshoes. Near the end of the Second World War, after time apart (Dan serving in Goose Bay, Labrador while June in Truro, Nova Scotia caring for their first son Neil) the three set off to Kelowna where Dan’s parents had purchased an orchard. Dan worked as an accountant and moved the young family to Rutland. They put down roots and ran a general store. June worked to clothe her family in fine shirts and itchy woolen socks for Dan and the boys, the hum of the sewing machine enduring her vigor and passion. When Janyse arrived June turned those skills to colourful and elaborate dresses. June's Bell Road vegetable garden was renowned for its bounty and for keeping her boys busy turning sod and keeping the weeds down.

June was famous for her canning, especially her peaches, and shared Vinatarta - Icelandic Christmas cake - annually with her friends and family. June was never afraid to take on new skills and master whatever she set her mind to. She shared her love, thoughtfully imbuing each knitted blanket, toque and sweet treat with care. Always keen to listen to the latest goings on in her community of friends and ever-growing family, June was always prepared to offer grounded opinions, a kind word, and a humorous story over tea and homemade fare. She was always blatantly frank about life's realities and challenges, which she faced with determination and an unrelenting vigour that was famously infectious. Her friends and family were of great support during both the good and the trying times, including the untimely passing of her son Peter.

June's commitment to her community and those in need extended through her charitable contributions to her church and her volunteer efforts at the Rutland Hospital Auxiliary. The Auxiliary's Thrift Store has become a major vehicle channeling goods to the needy and dollars to the health care system, notably the Hospice where June was fortunate to spend her remaining days surrounded by family and friends. There is even a growing herd of Christmas goats and chickens and children learning to play football somewhere in Africa that continue to benefit from June's enduring compassion. June has instilled a ‘happy day’s outlook in all those she touched over the years, in her passion for simple solutions, stubbornness when committed to a goal, a raised eyebrow at incredulity and a smile and a laugh at perceived shortcomings. The years brought many friends June has remained closely connected to, speaking of them often in cherished memories of time spent together.

June’s memory will live on in Rutland and Kelowna, if you look you will find her in your passions, a source of goodness to champion the tough times and joy in the good times.

June is celebrated and survived by her children Neil (Ivel), Jerry (Maureen), Steven and Janyse (Geby), her brothers Eddie, Arni, Victor and Joe, her sisters Anna and Bjorg, her grandchildren Danny (Sarah), Nicole (Kevin), Tiegh, Rebecca (Mike), Jeremy and Missy, her daughter in law Lorraine, her great grandchildren DiAnne, Brandon, Kandice, Dylan, Ryan, Sean, Daniel and Megan, and her great-great grandchild Evianna (with two more on the way!). June is pre-deceased by her husband Daniel, son Peter, her brothers Grimmur and Oli and her sister May.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Feb. 9th at the Rutland United Church. 1370 Rutland Road North.

The family would like to thank the gracious support of Dr. Segers, Dr. Rao, Dr. Bak, Dr. Solano and the nurses at Kelowna General Hospital, the staff of angels at Chatsworth, and the wonderful caregivers at the Central Okanaga Hospice House.

Jafnan er hálfsögð saga, ef einn segir. - A tale is but half told, when only one person tells it.

Grettis saga - The Saga of Grettir the Strong