Solveig Helene Erickson

Solveig Helene Erickson, 93, passed away in her sleep on Oct. 3, 2026. Family, friends and staff of Wyatt House shared Solveig's last months and memories of her 68 years on Bainbridge Island. Summer picnics on Pleasant Beach and Fay Bainbridge were Mom's favorites. We lovingly remember her charm and strength.

Youngest of 10 children, Solveig was born May 20, 1933, to Edvard and Johanna Lundgren of Boden, Sweden. She remembered how fun it was to ski to school with a hot potato in her pocket.

Living life on her own terms, Solveig immigrated to America. After meeting Arthur Erickson in her hometown of Boden in the summer of 1957, she left Sweden by ship in May of 1958. She made her way by bus from New York to Seattle, via Chicago, barely speaking English. Solveig was the only one of her siblings to leave Northern Sweden, an especially challenging journey back then. In June 1958, Solveig and Arthur were married on Bainbridge, where she remained the rest of her years. They became parents to two sons, Karl Erickson and John Erickson, also of Bainbridge Island.

Solveig loved to travel, returning to Sweden several times throughout the years. Various trips with her son John took her to New England, England, Scotland, Wales, Greece and Turkey. With the Bainbridge Senior Center, Mom traveled the United States, including the desert Southwest and Washington, D.C. She also took yearly trips to visit her best friend, Lea Fuller, in Palm Springs.

Arthur and Solveig had a house built in 1969. Family connections were so important to Mom. Many summers found her hosting relatives from Northern Sweden. Her long life was tradition-oriented with fun sprinkled in. An expert baker of Swedish desserts, our mother was a wonderful hostess. After 41 years of marriage, Solveig became a widow.

Yuletide smorgasbords, prepared with love and shared with her sons, Karl and John, kept the "old country" alive for her. Solveig's much-loved grandchildren called her Farmor. She offered cookies and chocolate freely. Lars, Hannah and Sofia treasured their Farmor.

Mom grew fruit and flowers in her garden, which she cheerfully shared with neighbors. Her favorite pastimes were "garage-saling" and listening to classical music. She enjoyed Hawaii with her very young grandchildren and loved sunny days.

Solveig was kind, smart and practical. Her loving presence, her calm and strong will, have given her family and especially her daughters-in-law, Amy, Ingeborg, and Alys, much joy. Farmor will be missed.

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.