01/08/2026
🇮🇸 2026 FJALLKONA 🇮🇸
Maria Karen Bear (née Stefanson) grew up on a farm north of Gimli, the daughter of Stefan and Olla Stefanson. Surrounded by a large, close-knit Icelandic family and many extended relatives, her childhood was filled with farm work, coffee brewing, and the sound of laughter in the kitchen. Her family valued their Icelandic traditions, and education, cooperation, and participation were both a privilege and an expectation. From an early age, Maria enjoyed the company of family and friends and embraced opportunities to learn and grow, including her time in the 4H Club at Minerva Hall.
In 1967, Maria married Gerald Bear, and together they built a warm and welcoming home in Selkirk, Manitoba, where they raised their two children, Laura and Morgan. They wove together the rich traditions of Gerry’s Cree ancestry and Maria’s Icelandic heritage, giving their family the gift of participating in the customs, celebrations, and teachings of both cultures. Maria became an accomplished bannock baker and keeper of traditional recipes, while Gerry’s love of hunting and fishing led to many shared adventures—whether fishing on the water, picking berries, or around the kitchen table preparing the day’s harvest.
Maria also embraced the art of leatherwork, crafting countless moccasin slippers, leather gloves, gauntlets, and even a leather jacket from hides saved by hunters. Her home, much like her childhood one, was always filled with laughter, good food, and the warmth of community.
For more than forty years, Maria worked at Ruth Ho**er School in Selkirk, assisting teachers and supporting students. Recognizing a need, she helped create a grassroots breakfast program to ensure children began their day with a healthy meal. She ran the program for many years, tirelessly sourcing funds and donations, advocating for its continuation, and making sure every child felt cared for. Her work was always infused with joy, kindness, and a genuine connection to the children she served.
Maria continues to serve on the board of the Betel Home Foundation and personal care homes in Gimli and Selkirk, which she has done for 17 years. In 2015, she tirelessly helped raise funds for new beds for the residents of Betel as part of the 100-year celebrations of the foundation.
She shared her commitment to Icelandic culture and heritage with her daughter Laura. They enjoyed traveling and attending the annual Icelandic National League of North America conference as well as supporting the Selkirk Bruin Chapter, where she has served as president. She played a leading role in the annual Sumardagurinn fyrsti celebration and encouraged young community members to participate in their events, which included baking, raffles, and singing Icelandic folk songs with the choir.
Maria’s legacy is a testament to the strength of family, the beauty of cultural traditions, and the power of community spirit. She has carried forward the values instilled in her as a child—hard work, generosity, and laughter—leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
