Asta Kristin Smart
(nee Bjornson)
April 3, 1930 - January 19, 2024
On Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Portage District General Hospital, Asta Kristin Smart left her earthly home and entered into the arms of her Lord and Saviour. Asta was born on April 3, 1930, on a farm in the Mary Hill District near Lundar. She was the youngest of five siblings and enjoyed life on the farm. School days were remembered fondly as she had a love for learning and was gifted with numbers. After school Asta moved to Winnipeg to study at the Felt & Tarrent Comptometer College, but in 1951, after the tragic loss of her father, she returned home to be with her mother. She was then employed as a teller at the local bank. Shortly thereafter, Asta met Bob when his work with Manitoba Hydro brought him to the Interlake area. They were married in 1954 and lived in Alexander, Vita and Grand Marais before settling in Portage la Prairie in 1964. They raised three children in the family home on 13th St NW and lived in this house for over 50 years. In 2017, they moved to the Queen’s Court and then to the Dufferin Villa in 2022.
Although Asta enjoyed a brief time of work through her ownership of the Magic Wave Hair Salon in the mid ‘70s, her main calling was her family. They were her joy and her priority. Asta was a tremendously loving wife, mother, amma and langamma. She was an exceptional person who could see the good in all people and always thought of others first. She always had words of encouragement for those in need. Countless friends and family enjoyed delicious meals around her table where her hospitality was legendary. She also proudly embraced her Icelandic heritage, language and culture. She had an appreciation for traditional Icelandic dress and her Vinartertas were a family favourite.
Asta’s relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundational pillar in her life. She had a vibrant faith, which flourished through her involvement with Christian Women’s Club in the 1980s. For over 20 years, she served in many executive positions. As a speaker, she shared her faith story at many meetings. Through CWC, her church and many Bible studies, she formed lasting friendships. Her abiding faith carried her throughout her life’s joys and sustained her in the deep valleys, including the tragic death of her daughter and granddaughter in 1991. Three years later she amazed everyone in surviving a grave cancer diagnosis. She went on to live another 30 years and always attributed her survival to her enduring faith. She had a servant heart and a loving acceptance of all.
Asta was predeceased by her husband Robert (Bob) in July 2022, her parents, Helgi and Margret Bjornson, her three brothers, Gudmundur, Carl, Bjorn and her sister, Svava. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Margaret and granddaughter, Danielle. She leaves to mourn her daughter, Kathy Harochaw (Greg) of Winnipeg; son, David of Saskatoon; son-in-law, Darryl of Langley, BC; grandchildren Ryan; Dean; Christina; Samantha and Jamie (Marlayna and Anika); Kristin and Owen; Cynthia;
Kelsey and Michael (Remy and River); Justin and Jessica (Hila and Margot); Jared and Hannah; and Bryce and Jessica (Mackinley, Oaklyn and Saige) along with extended family and friends.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the Portage Hospital Medical Ward, especially Stacey, Erin and Tracey, for their care of Asta in her last days.
A celebration of Asta’s life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM at McKenzie’s Portage Funeral Chapel, with viewing prior to the service. After the reception, a private interment will take place at Oakville Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed, to register and view the service go to Asta’s obituary page at www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com
n lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Asta’s memory to the Prairie Alliance Church, A-2375 Saskatchewan Avenue W, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 4A6, Portage & District General Hospital Foundation, 524-5th St. SE Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8 or to Tribal Trails, online, or at PO Box 3030 Station Main Prince Albert, SK S6V 7V4.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. http://www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com