Hjardis Fredlund Cartledge

Hjardis Fredlund Cartledge (105) passed away on March 28th, 2026. Hjardis was born in Langaryd, Sweden, on December 23, 1920, to Gertrude (Karlson) and Johan Olof Fredlund. In 1937, at the age of 16, she bravely traveled independently across the ocean to the US where she was met by her aunt and uncle, Anna and John Swanson of Scarsdale, NY.

On June 1st, 1940, she graduated from the Swedish Institute in NYC. She interned in the Physical Therapy departments of numerous Manhattan hospitals including Lenox Hill. Following graduation, she was hired by New Rochelle Hospital, in New Rochelle, New York, where she had a 43-year career helping 1000's of patients rehabilitate from physical injuries.

It was on her daily bus commute from Scarsdale to New Rochelle, where Hjardis met her future husband, Robert (Bob) Cartledge. They were married in a civil ceremony in Greenwich, Connecticut on October 19, 1951. A few years later, they bought a home in White Plains where she lived for 70 years, and they raised three children. Hjardis and Bob celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2001. Ten years later, Bob passed away in September 2011.

Each summer, Hjardis and Bob traveled to the family home in Sweden where the entire rural area knew "the Americans" were visiting. Family and friends would converge on the family farm known as "Bjorket" and enjoy Hjardis and Bob's hospitality. Hjardis was one of five children; siblings Margaret, Thure, Lennart and Elsa were an important part of Hjardis' life. She looked forward to her Sunday morning "long distance" phone calls with her various relatives and friends.

Hjardis was an extraordinary cook and her parties in both the US and in Sweden were well known. She learned to cook in part from Aunt Anna, and in part from her own raw talent. She rarely looked at a recipe yet was adept at putting out the most incredible food. Christmas time was cookie baking season and 100's will recall her Swedish butter cookies that melted in your mouth.

Hjardis' caring and compassionate hospital career carried over into her personal life. There is not a neighbor or friend she didn't hesitate to help. Even in her 80's and 90's, Hjardis never thought of herself as "old". Her physical strength is legendary. Her hugs regularly stunned recipients; her warmth and generosity towards others is just one aspect of her impact on all who knew her.

Hjardis will be remembered as a loving wife to Bob, mother, grandma and great grandma. She is survived by her children, Kenneth (Francine) Cartledge of Brewster, Debra (Terence) Kelly of White Plains, and Barbara (Farouk) Rhymaun of Beaufort, South Carolina, grandchildren Terence, Kevin, Daniel, Caryn, Kristen, Anna, Dylan, and six great grandchildren.

Visiting hours are Tuesday March 31st from 4-8 and funeral service is Wednesday April 1st at 10 am at McMahon, Lyon & Hartnett Funeral Home 491 Mamaroneck Ave White Plains. Interment to follow at Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla NY.