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Magnea Gudrun Bjornsson
FUNERAL HOME
Berceuse Funeral & Cremation Traditions
2609 Cunningham Dr.
Hampton, VA
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Magnea Gudrun Bjornsson. Magnea is survived by her husband, Dr. Gottskalk Bjornsson (U.S. Navy Ret.), her two sons, Neil Roper and Henry Roper, and her grandchildren, Saren S. Purdham, Olivia Roper, and Allison Roper. She is also survived and loved by her extended Icelandic family here in Hampton Roads and abroad. She is preceded in death by her father, Haraldur Haraldsson, mother, Unnur Magnea Gudmundsdottir, and brothers, Jon Helgi Haraldsson, Clark Howard Gross, and James "Jimmy" Gross.
Magga, as she was affectionately known, was born in Reykjavik, Iceland on October 15, 1950. She immigrated to the United States with her mother at the age of ten. Magga learned the English language quickly and made long-lasting friendships. After first settling in Fairmont, West Virginia, she moved with her mother and two brothers to Hampton, Virginia. Magga attended Kecoughtan High School, where she participated in drama and formed lifelong friendships. Kecoughtan is where she also met her first husband, Henry N. Roper III, with whom she had her two sons. Magga and her second husband, Dr. Gottskalk Bjornsson (U.S. Navy Ret.), moved to the Hampton Roads area in 2013 to be close to their dear friends and extended Icelandic family .
Magga was an outgoing, generous, sweet, and caring woman. Famous for her homemade Key Lime, and Key Lime coconut pies, cheesecakes and various other baked goods, she was the type of mother that had your friends always asking if they could stay for dinner. Magga was a history enthusiast and served on the board of the Virginia War Museum and happily participated in fundraising events.
Magga was happiest when the greatest number of people she cared about could all be together. All friends and family are invited to a celebration of life service that will be held for Magga on Sunday, August 8, 2021 from 11 AM - 1 PM at the Berceuse Funeral Home located at 2609 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, VA. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made in Magga's name to either the Virginia War Museum of Newport News or the American Cancer Society.
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Published by Daily Press on Aug. 6, 2021.
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Bonnie Bridger (Mittelmaier) (1969)
Still trying to absorb the fact that Magga has left us behind and gone on into the arms of Heaven. Still trying to get it that I will not be able to pick up the phone and talk to her. This reality is too new. I met Magga at Benjamin Syms when we were in 8th grade. She was such a special person, beautiful, funny, sort of exotic being from such a place as Iceland. It almost felt like she was from a magical country. Who had a friend that was born and lived in Iceland? I did. As our lives moved on we shared times at KHS. Then we drifted apart, only to return to our friendship in 1999, the time melted away and we picked up just like before. No matter through our ups and downs, we always knew that our friendship bond was something more than any differences we might have encountered. What a beloved friend she was. She left behind such a beautiful and enduring legacy in her children and grandchildren. Peace and comfort to her family and peace be with Magga. Until we meet again! Bonnie
Stephen Richerson (1969)
Magga sat next to me at our last reunion. I had never known her personally while at KHS. But We became FB friends afterwards. So very sorry to hear of her passing.