Sigrid Furness

Sigrid Furness (nee Anna Sigrid Jensen) passed away on Saturday, February 5th, 2005 in Helena, Mont. having suffered from respiratory failure and other emphysema complications. She was born on January 30th, 1944, in Missoula, Mont. to Milo and Fern (Bertelesen) Jensen.

Sigrid was raised and educated in Ronan, Mont. Known as "Sigi" to her friends, she was an expert swimmer and became a Red Cross Instructor. She enjoyed swimming competitions at Flathead Lake with lifelong friend David Rorvik. Other hobbies included horseback riding, knitting, reading, and playing the organ. During her gadabout childhood, she visited her Aunts Leota in Fresno, Francis and Margaret in Astoria. "Sigi" also stayed busy with babysitting, cleaning jobs, and studying.

Having graduated high school with honors in 1962, Sigrid received her teaching certificate from Western Montana College. She loved children and taught school in Rollins, Montana, then enlisted in the military. Following her service she relocated to Washington State where she married Gilbert Melvin Lillian in 1973. They had one son, Gilbert (Gilby). In 1978 she returned to her childhood roots in Ronan and was subsequently separated from her husband. Sigrid assumed the challenge of raising her son and managing the household. Additionally, she volunteered at St. Lukes Nursing Home, where she was particularly fond of the staff and residents. She was always an avid reader and enjoyed taking walks.

"Sigi" moved to Helena in 1992 for proximity to the VA Medical Center. In 1995 she married Michael P. Furness.

Sigrid never forgot her friends and all the moral support they provided. You know who you are and are too numerous to list. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org or call 1-877-426-2838 Ext. 3302. Sigrid has been cremated and her ashes will be sprinkled on her beloved Flathead Lake at a later date. Her aversion to fuss will preclude funeral services.

Sigrid is survived by her husband, Michael Furness of Helena, her son Gilby Jensen of Detroit, sister Osa Hansine Zayauskas of Chicago, and brothers Peder and Nels Jensen of the Ronan area. She has numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.