Siv Rigmor Stephens

Siv Rigmor Stephens (née Ingebretsen), age 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, July 13, 2025, in Lynnwood, Washington. She lost a very swift fight with Lymphoma courageously and with dignity. Her children were lovingly bedside with her when she crossed over into the light.

Born on January 30, 1948, on the island of Karmøy, Norway, Siv lived a life rich of love, worldly culture, and connection that spanned continents and generations. She immigrated with her family via steamship and landed at Ellis Island, New York, in the early 1950s at age 6, leaving Norway to join family in Seattle who had recently settled there.

The daughter of Simon and Ragna Ingebretsen, Siv grew up in the Norse traditions in both Norway and in the Ballard district of North Seattle. Her father, uncles, brothers and nephews are well-known and respected commercial fisherman.

Sadly, her father and brother Salve both lost their lives at sea early in her life and their spirit and impacts lived deep inside Siv's heart. She was only 10 when she lost her dad and 30 when Salve passed. Her faith and love of God remained a quiet but constant presence throughout her life, and it showed.

She proudly retained her Norwegian citizenship while embracing her life in the United States with equal devotion. She returned to Norway and spent a year of high school in Oslo, which was a treasured time for her. She's a graduate of Ballard (Seattle) High School.

With Gary Stephens, her beloved husband of 47 years, Siv helped operate two businesses: Metro Data in Kansas City and PacificCash in Seattle. Their entrepreneurial talents helped build lasting professional legacies in the office machines and ATM service industries. Siv also was an amazing caretaker for families and friends in Edmonds, Washington, for many years.

She had a deep love for music and sports of all kinds, always ready to cheer on a team or sing along to a favorite tune. Her love of good food and drink (especially Scandinavian) was always there. As a younger couple, she and Gary were active participants and co-managed two different gourmet clubs during their years in Kansas City – culinary gatherings that brought people together over shared cuisine and laughter. She introduced her "smorgasbord" to all her family and friends her whole life. Her sanctuaries were the beaches at Edmonds and Mukilteo Lighthouse on Puget Sound.

This woman was known by many names – Siv, Rigmor, Riggie, Rig, Gaga, Gags, Gunnie, Nennie, Tante, Bim, Trathe – and each one reflected a unique bond she formed with those around her. To us she was Mom and Gaga – to others she was a cherished friend or sister. But to all who knew her, she was a beacon of unique positivity and strength. Her warmth was infectious; she reached out with genuine care and built loving connections wherever she went.

Siv is survived by her children Dick Stephens (wife Merideth), Spencer Stephens (wife Amanda), and Heidi Stephens Munson (husband Gary); stepchildren Dana Littell and Dean Stephens (wife Lisa); sister Arnlaug Nordal (husband Jim); brother Tønnes Ingebretsen (wife Cathy); as well as many extended family members across the U.S. and Norway. Her grandchildren were her heart: Parker, Chloe, Lily, Carter, Skyler, Cameron, Simon, Fletcher, Havalah, Gabriel, Calvin and Sawyer.

She was preceded in death by her parents Simon and Ragna, husband Gary, brother Salve Ingebretsen, sister Marit Lægreid and nephew Ivar Enerstvedt.

Siv Rigmor Stephens leaves behind a legacy defined by love freely given, joy generously shared, and bonds that will endure across time and distance. May her memory bring comfort to all touched by her remarkable spirit and light.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1305 Pine Ave., in Snohomish, Washington. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Seattle Fisherman's Memorial or American Cancer Society in Siv's memory.

"Ha Det" to our loving mother.