Hjordis Stevens

Hjordis Cooke Stevens

Hjordis Cooke Stevens of Napa passed away Saturday, April 27, 2013. She was born May 6, 1924 in Oslo Norway to Thorleif and Marian Murray Cooke.

Hjordis is the combination of two words in Old Norwegian "hjorr" and "dis'. The first word means sword and the second word means goddess. Her name was fitting.

Her early years were spent at the family home in Nesoden. She would often recall her childhood and particularly the teenage years, during which the Nazis occupied Norway. Hjordis was a Norwegian underground agent in 1944 and 1945 acting as a courier - a personal decision not known to her family members. After the war she helped to prepare evidence against the Quisling war criminals.

Hjordis then moved to the United States with her mother Marian, sister Lillian and brother Leif. She entered Boston University Law School in September 1946, where she met her husband Rolf Stevens Jr. of West Newton. Rolf and Hjordis were married on June 11, 1949. The Bar exams were a "family affair" that they both passed in 1951. Hjordis was 26 (and pregnant with their first child) and Rolf was 33.

Hjordis became a dedicated full time mom who was committed to shaping the lives of her children. She also found time to lead a number of community organizations including Wellesley Woman's Club, Woman's Republican Club and the Conservation Commission.

Hjordis was an avid golfer who loved the game and the fun of competing. She performed well in several member guest tournaments and brought home a prize more than once.

Hjordis resumed her legal career 24 years after passing the bar and had a successful practice in Wellesley Massachusetts. She loved the law and its rigorous mental discipline.

Hjordis and Rolf moved to California in 1982 and eventually settled at the Valley Club Circle in Napa where they were surrounded by friends. A natural leader, Hjordis served as president of the Valley Club Circle Board for many years. She was respected by all and loved by her friends.

Hjordis and Rolf were married for 44 years until Rolf passed away in 1994. Hjordis and Rolf adored their family.

Children: Martha Stevens Thompson, Lorna Stevens, Kathryn Stevens Miller and Richard Whitney Stevens.

Grand Children: Jennie Lillian Thompson, Jake Stevens Thompson, Ben Stevens-Smith, Emma Stevens-Smith, Gracie Miller, Sam Miller, Alexa Brito Stevens and Cole Brito Stevens.

Great Grand Children: Keavy Lillian Thompson, Khloe Ann Thompson and Leif Jacob Thompson.

Hjordis was the last surviving member of her family, preceded in death by sisters Mary Stoeng, Lillian Cooke and Leif Henry Cooke.

She accomplished much in her life but in her own words "it is friends and family" that matter most.

Cremation has taken place and she will rest beside her husband at the family burial plot in Westwood Cemetery in Westwood Massachusetts. A celebration of "A life well lived" will take place on May 5th at Valley Club Circle from 4pm to 6pm - Club house.

Donations may be sent to:

American Heart Association: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

di Rosa, 5200 Sonoma Highway, Napa CA 94559. http://www.dirosaart.org/