Berit Karin Sjong

1936 - 2017

Berit Karin Sjong

Berit Karin Ingebrigtsen Sjong, 81, of Seattle, Washington, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 24, 2017 after battling Alzheimer's.

Berit was born in Ålesund, Norway on March 20, 1936. She came to America in 1947 through Ellis Island aboard the Queen Mary. One of her proudest moments was when she became a US citizen. She and her parents settled in Seattle. She graduated from Ballard High School in 1954 and from the University of Washington in 1958. She became one of Boeing's first female computer programmers.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, John Sjong, her three daughters - Tina, Lisa (Kevin Wilson) and Vicky (Jim Jaquish) and her seven grandchildren - Megan, Elizabeth, Karl, Allison, Katie, Travis and Kelli. She was a loving and gracious friend, wife, Mamma and Mormor.

Berit was a pillar in her community, giving years of service to Seattle Milk Fund, Nordic Heritage Museum, Norse Home, Shoreline Schools, Brownies/Girl Scouts and First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach. She was passionate about the need to be of service to those around her and believed that to give one's time was of the most value. She was a Precinct Committeeman and an active member of the King County Republican Club for many years. Her life was dedicated to the service of others, whether it be in church, at home or for a stranger in need.

Berit (known affectionately to many as Bitten) will be remembered most for her grace, elegance and kindness to others. She taught the importance of being a good hostess and to act like a lady. She opened her home to all and taught her daughters and grandchildren how to throw an excellent party, to be involved with their community, to give freely of their time and that it is always better to be over dressed than under-dressed for any occasion. Berit and John met on the dance floor of Norway Center and enjoyed dancing together for over fifty years. Patriotism was a value she held strongly, for her home country of Norway but equally important, her new country, the USA. Her generous spirit and warm personality left a lasting impression on all that knew her. Her passion for life, family, her heritage and her favorite snacks (carrot sticks & chocolate) will never be forgotten. She will be greatly missed, but her influence on her family and friends will remain.

The family welcomes you to a memorial service celebrating Berit's life on Saturday, October 14th at 2pm at First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach.

Memorials can be donated to the Alzheimer's Association or the Nordic Heritage Museum.