Solveig Marie Lee

1935 - 2025

Mount Vernon - Solveig Marie Lee, 89, of Mount Vernon, Washington, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 30, 2025.

Born on November 5, 1935, in Bellingham to Oscar Edward Lee and Petra Mathilde Brendan, Solveig spent her childhood on her family's farm on the Lummi Reservation in Whatcom County. Her family also maintained their beloved farm in South Mount Vernon, where she spent time throughout her life-a place deeply tied to her family history and her love of the Skagit Valley.

She attended Ferndale Public Schools, graduating from Ferndale High School in 1954 before earning her education degree from Pacific Lutheran University in 1958.

Solveig devoted over 30 years to teaching in the Seattle School District, sharing her love of learning with generations of students. After retiring, she worked as a proofreader for SAFECO Insurance Company before returning to Mount Vernon, drawn by the beauty and community of the valley she'd always loved, and to be closer to her sisters Anna & Onella.

Music was a lifelong joy. From learning violin in second grade to performing in orchestras and choirs throughout her life, Solveig's music reflected her heart-warm, steady, and full of grace.

Proud of her Norwegian heritage, she served as "The Roving Reporter" for the Western Viking newspaper, traveling across communities-and to Norway multiple times-to celebrate her ancestry and connect with others who shared her roots. She contributed to Passport to Ballard, helped found the Ballard Historical Society, and supported the Nordic Heritage Museum. In 2006, she was honored as an Honorary Marshal in Ballard's Seventeenth of May Parade.

Her faith guided her every step. Solveig grew up attending Our Saviour's Lutheran in Bellingham and later became a devoted member of Fir-Conway Lutheran Church, where her ancestors had hosted the church's first service in their home-a legacy she held dear.

Always behind the camera, Solveig found joy in capturing community life and creating keepsakes for friends and family.

Solveig was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Petra Lee, and her sisters, Onella Brunner and Anna Ankrum.

A huge heartfelt thanks to The Bradford House and their Skagit Adult Day Program, 7 Sisters Homecare, Hospice of the Northwest, and caregivers Debbie Degraffenreid, Susan May, and Makoy Rowley for their kindness and care.

In lieu of flowers, the we suggest donations in Solveig's memory to Fir-Conway Lutheran Church, The Sons of Norway, Skagit Valley Historical Museum and The Bradford House in Burlington-organizations that reflect her lifelong love of faith, heritage, and community.

Solveig's life was a song of learning, faith, and love-a melody that will continue in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held for her at Fir Conway Lutheran Church, 18101 Fir Island Rd, Mount Vernon WA on December 13 at 1pm.