Bjorg Kristine Hauknes (nee Rönning) was born in Buvik, Norway on April 3, 1923. She was raised on a sheep farm with four sisters: Liv, Norma, Kristine and Signe. Bjorg loved to read and would sneak away after chores to the rafters in the barn to find a quiet place. After graduating and completing confirmation, Bjorg moved to Mo i Rana to work as a clerk in the local post office. It was here that Henry first laid eyes on Bjorg and fell instantly in love. They were married in March of 1944 and so began their life together. Bjorg gave life to four children in Norway: Sverre, Greta, Kjell, and Julianne. Her focus was on raising the children and creating a home for her family while Henry worked to provide for the family’s needs. In 1958, Bjorg and the children immigrated to Canada, following her beloved Henry to Prince Rupert where Henry had moved a year earlier to work and build her dream home.
Bjorg had a strong sense of community and quickly embraced the people of Prince Rupert and Canada. She took night classes to learn English in the household for the family’s benefit. She then embarked on joining a number of community organizations: the IODE, Sonia Ladies, Sons of Norway, the Lutheran Church and choir, and later in life became an honorable member of the 75/50 Club in Prince Rupert. Bjorg excelled in knitting, needlepoint, baking, cooking, bowling, swimming, cards, bingo, dancing and singing.
Bjorg passed peacefully surrounded by her children and close friends at 11 pm, Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry, in 1997, her son, Kjell, in 1982, and her sisters Liv, Kristine and Signe. She is survived by her son, Sverre (Barbara), daughters Greta (Dan), and Julianne (Doug), grandchildren Robert, Erik, Kristine, Shawn, D’arcy, Kristopher, Johanna, and great-grandchildren Ayla, Asher, Lilia. In Norway, Bjorg is survived by her sister, Norma, sister-in-law, Inger, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held on September 12 at 1 p.m. at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 460 McBride Street, Prince Rupert, B.C.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.