GUNHILD H. BROWN

Gunhild H. Brown A resident of Clear Lake Riviera, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on October 24th, 2010. Gunhild, the second daughter of Jens Heyerdahl Hansen and Ragnhild Braenne Hansen, was born in San Francisco on July 24, 1912, and raised in Oakland, CA. She traveled to Norway at age 17 to attend the Oslo Orthopedic Institute for Physical Therapy. She met her future husband, Richard Brown, while working in Palm Springs. Gunhild and Dick moved to Corte Madera with their three daughters where they made their home for over 20 years. She opened her own business in Greenbrae, becoming the first female physical therapist in private practice in the Bay Area. In the late 50's, Gunhild and two other physical therapists pioneered and founded the Education for Childbirth Association. After her divorce, Gunhild met William Bortfeld, her companion for 17 years. With Bill, she participated in Sierra Club hiking and backpacking trips. They attended symphonies and the opera and were members of the Native Plant Society. After Bill's death, Gunhild retired to her home in Lake County. She returned to her love of learning and at the age of 84 she received an A.A. degree in General Studies. She founded the Low Vision Support Group and began a group titled Dare to be 100. She was a WIC mentor, a Senior Peer Counselor, a docent at Clear Lake State Park, a member of Sons of Norway, and the Galilee Lutheran Church. She enjoyed tennis well into her 80's, and at 98 practiced yoga and meditation, and took pleasure in daily walks. Gunhild is preceded in death by her beloved parents and sisters Eline, Berit, and Ragnhild, and brother Jens. She is survived by her devoted partner Glenn Smith. She will be dearly missed by her daughters, Sondra McIntyre (Larry Lahaderne) of San Jose, Randi Brown of Lake County, and Lynn Berman (Fred Berman) of Washington State, as well as 9 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Gunhild loved life and was grateful for each day she shared with those around her. She motivated and inspired us all. Hers was truly a life lived with purpose and intent. A memorial to celebrate the life of Gunhild will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 13, at Galilee Lutheran Church, 8860 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, CA. Gifts in Gunhild's memory may be made to your favorite charity.