Mom passed away peacefully, with family by her side, at Kootenay Boundary Hospital on Feb 4, 2013.
Mom was born in Lillihammer,Norway on August 12, 1926 to Marie and Mathias Rusten. At the age of five, she travelled by ship with her mother and older brother, Egil to Canada to meet with her father, who had settled in Trail, BC, to work at the big smelter on the hill (CM&S).
Her family lived in East Trail for many years and Mom always talked about being an “East Trail alley kid”. We heard many stories about her and her friends skating on the boom, playing kick the can, swimming the rapids and jumping off rocks at Sandy Island.
After graduating from high school, Mom moved to Vancouver, where she studied to be a nurse and then worked at the Riverview Hospital (Essondale). On a trip back home, she met the love of her life, Carl, at a dance at the KP Hall. They both loved to dance. They were married on July 24, 1947 and built a home on Shaver’s Bench where they raised their two daughters, Valerie and Karenne She remained in the home Dad built until her passing.
Mom enjoyed the simple things in life. She enjoyed music, dancing, travelling with Dad, and went on many excursions in their truck and camper where she would bring home rocks for her collection. She was a great homemaker (cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting) and avid gardener, inside and outside. She had over 100 houseplants that she tended to.
Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the love of her life and she had a unique relationship with all of them. Nana taught them how to speak small “Norwegian” phrases which they will always remember.
Solveig is survived by her daughters Valerie Austad and Karenne Johnson; Grandchildren: Corey Austad, Brad Johnson, Amber (Bruce Endersby) Erin (Ken Matieshen), and eight great-grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Carl; her parents; her brothers; Egil and Arthur; Sons- in- law, Herb Austad and Carl Johnson.
At Mom’s request, there will be no funeral service.
A private graveside service for her family will be held at Mountain View Cemetary on Tuesday, February 12. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
Family and friends may make donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC, #300 – 828 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z1E2 as an expression of sympathy.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence on the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca.
THE BROKEN CHAIN – Mom’s favorite poem
Little did we know that morning that God would call your name
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone
For part of us went with you the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide.
And though we cannot see you, you are always on our side.
Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again……..
You’re with your ANGEL, Mom…We will miss you