Solveig (Brynjolfson) Riddell

Solveig passed away peacefully at Lions Gate Hospital in Vancouver on February 5, 2022, at the age of 95 years. A kind and generous spirit, she was beloved by all who knew her for her warmth, good humour, and acceptance of others through her long, well lived, and loving life.

Predeceased by her husband Norman, parents Villa and Malli Brynjolfson, sister Sylvia (Stefan) Sigurdson and brother Grimsi (Collie) Brynjolfson. She will be lovingly remembered and much missed by her nephew Glenn and his wife Maureen, their children Paul (Marjorie) and Sonja and grandchildren Scarlett and Stella, by niece Elaine and her daughters Laura and Alys, and by nephew Eric and his wife Wendy, and their children Stefan (Mary) and Elin and grandchildren Parker and Nicolette, as well as by numerous cousins and the Thordarson and Hallgrimson families in BC and Manitoba. Solveig built exceedingly close relationships with each generation of the family, each of whom had a special place in her heart and they in hers.

Solveig was born on December 17, 1926, in the Icelandic fishing Village of Hecla Island on Lake Winnipeg, attended by the local doctor who arrived via dog sled in a snowstorm. That foretold a life of resilience. Upon completing Grade 11 during the war years, she was given a “permit” and sent out to a one room school teaching grades 1-8 in a rural hamlet in the Interlake area. Subsequently she attended “normal school” to complete her certification. She taught briefly in Riverton and Flin Flon before settling into her career in Winnipeg, then moving to Vancouver in 1961. Solveig continued her teaching career in Vancouver, ultimately obtaining her degree and further specialization to become a teacher of English as a Second Language which she did until her retirement in 1987.

Solveig married Norman Riddell in 1971. They built a wonderful life together in the West End of Vancouver, enjoying their view of English Bay, walks along the sea wall and in Stanley Park, frequent hiking, and other ventures with their many friends. Solveig always had a love of travel, in her early years going to Europe with friends and spending time in Iceland with family there. In Norman she found a kindred spirit, with numerous trips and cruises to far flung locations including visits with Norman’s relatives in Scotland. A constant on their itinerary were visits home to Manitoba for long and special family visits in Riverton and Winnipeg.

Solveig was an amazing cook, and she and Norman loved to entertain. Their home was the scene of countless lively gatherings of family and friends, where she served up an array of gourmet delicacies and favorite Icelandic treats, often at a moment’s notice. Solveig loved going out to restaurants and cultural events, visiting her favorite shops and outings around the city. Charming and always interested in others, she especially enjoyed the many family gatherings and parties at Glenn and Maureen’s, where she was known to kick up her heels and dance with the little ones.

Even in her final years, when her memory was increasingly impaired, Solveig retained her gracious manner and loving presence, her acceptance of life’s challenges and ability to enjoy those special moments and a good giggle with people that she loved.

A lover of music and the arts, Solveig was a lifelong contributor to many arts organizations in Vancouver. She was very proud of her Icelandic heritage and supported many projects and initiatives commemorating Icelandic history and culture. Those who wish to make a contribution in her memory may do so to a charity of their choosing or, to the New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli https://nihm.ca/ or the Descendants and Friends of Hecla Island Heritage. https://my.charitableimpact.com/charities/the-descendants-and-friends-of-hecla-island-heritage-inc A combination in-person and virtual Memorial Service is being planned for June.