Rigmor Elvejord

passed away March 12, 2011, due to complications from pneumonia. Born March 20, 1926, in Oslo, Norway, Rigmor grew up in Norway through German occupation during World War II. She graduated from nursing school in Oslo in 1956 and midwifery school in Bergen, Norway, in 1957. In 1959, she came to the United States to marry Edward Elvejord, whom she met on a ship in the North Sea. Together, they raised a family beginning in California and later moving to Washington.Rigmor practiced as a registered nurse and midwife for more than 15 years, first in Norway and then the United States. In the seventies, she went back to school to study textile design at the University of Washington, receiving a bachelor of arts in 1977. For years, she worked in various retail and arts positions, including her own studio where she created fabric and fiber artworks.Rigmor learned piano as a child and young adult, taking lessons for 12 years and continuing to play for most of her life. In 1980, combining a trip home to Norway with a stop in Copenhagen, she attended the United Nations Decade for Women conference as an observer - an event that made a lasting impression on her. Following her degree from UW, she stayed active with American Association of University Women for many years. She also cherished her heritage and became involved with Daughters of Norway, helping found the Poulsbo chapter in 1997.Well-loved, trusting, gentle and described as always nicely dressed, Rigmor enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters and traveling the world. She is survived by husband, Edward; adult daughter, Ingunn; adult sons Sherwin and Erik; granddaughters Berit, Baylee and Rylee; and many friends.A memorial service will be held April 2 at 3:00 p.m. at Hansville Community Church, 7543 NE Twin Spits Road, Hansville, WA. (360) 638-2335. Please sign the on-line guest book for the family.In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Daughters of Norway Endowment Fund, mailed care of Julie Swenson, P.O. Box 656, Poulsbo, Wash., 98370. We say goodbye to a beloved wife, mother and friend. We will miss you.Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.