Kerstin Elisabet Friedland

Kerstin Elisabet Friedland spent the first half of her life as a world-wide adventurer. She was born Kerstin Gustafsson, had three sisters and a twin brother, and was raised, studied, and taught in Sweden. She fell in love with her first husband, Bruno Latreille, while volunteering in a small Peruvian village, and later did community development work in West Africa. She carried a sense of curiosity, fascination, and love for the world throughout her life.

Before her husband died, Kerstin had three children, Karin, Mikael, and Cédric Latreille in the Loire Valley of France. She later fell in love with her second husband, Fred Friedland of Merced, and had her fourth child, Anna, in Central California.

In the second half of her life, she rediscovered her passion for making art and her numerous delightful sculptures of family members are an enduring demonstration of her love. In a few years, that passion would be tested as the effects of multiple sclerosis began to erode her ability to handle a chisel. Despite the illness steadily impairing her ability to move, she never gave up hope. Her incredible mental fortitude, coupled with the rich, encompassing love surrounding her, provided the strength she needed through 34 years of an illness that left her quadriplegic.

Kerstin gave 100% to whatever she did. Her siblings and closest friends often said that she was the perfect person: talented in all areas, hard-working, considerate, and kind. Her luminous smile, sparkle, and positivity brightened every room she entered. After meeting her, people often commented on how strong and warm she was, even as MS continued to limit her movement.

She was extremely lucky in love - finding two husbands who loved her deeply. Her second husband, Fred was an unwavering caregiver, who regularly advocated and fought for her well-being over the years. Their love was unparalleled and inspiring to all. Three days after Kerstin’s death, Fred suddenly and unexpectedly passed away as well.

She is survived by her four children: Anna Friedland (Moose Mutlow), Karin, Mikael, and Cédric Latreille (Betsy Musick), and her grandson Mattias… and an array of sculptures