Lillian Margaret (Sievert) Solvang

The love of family and friends (in person and virtually) surrounded Lillian Sievert Solvang as Jesus led her to Heaven on 30 September 2020. She joins her husband of 63 years, Capt. Arthur Solvang, her parents August and Margaret Sievert, her brother Artie and sister-in-law Vera Sievert.  Mourning her are her children: Elna Solvang of Moorhead, MN; Arthur Solvang, Jr. of Willow, AK; Mark Solvang of Englewood Cliffs, NJ, and Elyn Solvang-Moscicki (Henry Moscicki) of Batavia, NY, along with grandchildren Erik and Bryan Moscicki, and Alec Solvang (Molly), and great-grandchildren Brody, Candace and Corbin; brother-in-law Clifford Solvang; nieces and nephews: Mary-Ann (John), Gunnar (Jean), and Robert (Melissa) Sievert; Linda (David) Lee, and Scott Solvang.

Lillian was born in Queens, NY to Swedish immigrants. She graduated from Clara Barton High School and Columbia University Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing. She enjoyed music and the arts, participating in the orchestra, playing the organ, and dancing with the Swedish Folk Dance Club. It was at a dance at The Merchant Marine Academy that Lillian met Arthur. Arthur’s Merchant Marine, Navy and Coast Guard service prompted moves to west and east coast locations. They made Barrington, RI their home.

Lil’s motto was "ONE DAY AT A TIME”- sage advice.  Faith, family, and friends were the center of her life. At St. James Lutheran Church, Lillian was active in the choir, education, altar care, Ruth Circle, and various forms of outreach. She also found meaningful worshipping and learning at Temple Habonim. Lillian was involved in multiple programs with deaf and hearing-impaired persons, and supported sign-language interpreters for St. James’ worship. She was involved in ministry to seafarers.  Throughout the years, Lillian accompanied many people to appointments and on errands. Lillian was proud to be a nurse and enjoyed the different contexts she served, including Camp Calumet (NH), The Episcopal Conference Center (RI), the Hattie Ide Chaffee Home, and, as a volunteer in Liberia. For over two decades, Lillian escaped the summer heat in RI by journeying to Alaska, to visit her son and grandson, and to volunteer teaching Native Alaskan youth at Salmon Lake Bible Camp. After returning from Alaska, she would travel to watch her NY grandsons play hockey. During the theatre season, Lillian enjoyed performances at The Barker Playhouse, Trinity Repertory, and PPAC. Plans for a blended (in-person and livestreamed) memorial service will be posted later on the Smith-Mason Funeral Home (Riverside) website. memorial service will be on November 21 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church via Zoom.  For login instructions people may contact asimon@stjames-ri.org. 

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