SIV HELLEVI LJUNGWE

Redlands loses a Mentor to Thousands It is with great loss and sadness that we announce the passing of Siv Ljungwe on January 16th, 2010. Siv died unexpectedly of natural causes in her home in the hills of Redlands. It was in this home, surrounded by her books, bicycles, writings and memories that Siv felt happiest and most at peace. Born in Sweden in 1932, the young, blonde and vivacious Siv move d to Iowa in 1954. She eventually found her way to Redlands where, armed with a Master's Degree from the University of Iowa she began teaching in the Rialto Unified School District. In 1964 she began teaching, mostly French and German, at Eisenhower High School. After 27 years as a "passionate" classroom teacher, Siv retired from teaching, but not from her passion as a lifelong learner. Siv remained close with many of her former students. Siv will be remembered as a fun-loving, outgoing teacher who lit u p a classroom with her enthusiasm for teaching her students, many of whom stayed in touch with Siv her entire life. With a never-ending thirst for knowledge she continued her studies in the UCLA Graduate French Program and studied in Germany under a Fulbright Scholarship. Siv's two beautiful children, Eva and Par, born 1956 and 1958 tragically predeceased her in 1986 and 2004 respectively. Neither had ever married. Siv had instilled in them her love of nature and her house is filled with photos of thei r hikes and adventures. These incomprehensible losses hung heavy on her heart - yet, she somehow managed the strength to continue loving life and bringing happiness to those around her. A voracious reader, Siv could never get her fill of books. Not only was she a regular at Borders, but she also pored through the New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and of course all the local Redlands papers daily. Fluent in four languages, Siv had also traveled extensively. She shared her insights, ponderings, and opinions, with those she loved and strangers alike. Siv loved the outdoors, and virtually every kind of exercise. At an age when most people become couch potatoes, Siv became a competitive triathlete, competing throughout the world. She collected Medals, Trophies and friends from these triathlon competitions. Locals will remember seeing Siv riding her road bike through the streets of Redlands, or working out at 24 Hour Fitness. Mother Nature will remember Siv's smile as she rode her mountain bike thro ugh the hills in which she lived and raised her children. Those who knew Siv will miss her beautiful smile, her twinkling blue eyes, her warm hugs and her love of life. A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, February 27, 2010 at her Redlands home.