Birgit Lohne

SCHENECTADY, NY - Birgit L Lohne, 98, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, July 6, 2024 just seventeen days before her 99th birthday. She was surrounded by her adoring family. Born in New Haven CT, she was the daughter of the late Eric Arvid and Alvilde Lundberg. She graduated from Hamden High School and Colby Junior College in New Hampshire where she earned a degree as an Administrative Assistant/ Communications. She lived most of her life in Woodbridge CT. She was a lifetime member of Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Woodbridge where she sang in the choir and in a women’s trio, and served on several committees.

She was predeceased by her adoring husband, Leonard W Lohne, her cherished son, Peter M Lohne, and her loving sister, Ruth E. Tanner. She is survived by children: Sandra Lohne Biggi (Ian), Carol R Lohne (wife of Peter), and Michael A Lohne (Sally). Grandchildren: Kristina (Frank) Hill, Amy (Steven) DiStefano, Kimberly (Myron) Smith, Jennifer (Andrew) Crabtree, Kara (Paul) Colevas, Katelyn (Fernando) Marreiros, Christine (Brandon) Parenteau and Meredith Lohne. She also has nineteen great-grandchildren, an adopted great-granddaughter and her two sons. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews and cousins.

Birgit, known to most as Beam, was truly a beam of light to all who knew her. What follows below are some of the many cherished memories written by her granddaughters:

“Where do I begin to describe the love? Beam, matriarch and dignified, beautiful inside and out, role model for her eight granddaughters, Proverbs 31 Woman, WWII bride, precise, tidy, yarn loving, music loving, family devoted precious gem of a person, has been reunited with her dear husband, our Pop. While I am deeply sad she is no longer here, I have a treasure trove of memories that play like a highlight reel in my mind. I am so very grateful to have had her as my Beam. I may never be able to sing “Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam” again without shedding a tear, but everywhere I look in my home, I see a Beam touch.”

“So thankful to have had the opportunity to adore our dear Beam. Most impressionable to me is her faith in God; her commitment to service by using her gift of knitting, hospitality, cooking, and music; her attention to detail, neatness, organization, proper attire, manners, and using an iron for even bedsheets; love of the beach, houseplants and sunshine; speedy but safe driving (especially when marathon shopping); adoration for her family. She will be missed, but so grateful for her 98 years and the legacy she has left her family and all those she touched Psalm 33:11”

“My favorite memories with Beam include spending my spring breaks as a child exploring the woods, making up stories as we went, and humming a tune while baking homemade cookies.”

“Following Beam’s passing, I’ve been going through photo albums with my children and sharing with them “my Beam”. I told them about stream explorations, pond adventures, piano playing and singing, the glorious smell of fabric softener, sleeping on pressed white sheets which made me feel fancy, and getting to hear the best harmonized version of the birthday song sung by Beam and Pop.

“Beam’s loving Godly example was beyond what words can express. She was one tough woman- hard to impress but once you did, you left extremely proud to have her admiration. Her love for the Lord was evident in all she did, and the things she did were done with excellence.”

“The matriarch, our grandmother, our Beam. A woman of elegance, many talents and a heart set on serving others in Jesus’ name. When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.”

“My fondest memories of Beam center around our family meals during special occasions. Beam would graciously host our extended family gatherings, and I can still picture the dining room table beautifully set with fine china and sterling silver, a testament to her meticulous preparations for our cherished meals together. As years passed, I embraced the tradition of hosting Christmas Eve dinners at my own home, where Beam, Pop, my parents, and our children would gather as honored guests. These gatherings were filled with shared memories, laughter, stories from Beam and Pop’s childhood, and even moments spent teaching our children the Norwegian prayer, I Jesu Navn.”

“I remember the times Beam spent with me playing marbles and dominos. She was supportive in watching my skiing competitions and golf events. I loved wearing the special sweaters she would knit to coordinate my school outfits. I will miss her piano playing and singing songs especially the Scandinavian songs and the poems. Wonderful memories!”

Memorial contributions may be made to The Schenectady City Mission in Schenectady NY , The Salvation Army of Stamford CT, or the Oxford CT Special Olympics. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.