Birgit Marrianne (Nilsson) Segerdahl
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Birgit (nicknamed Gittan) died peacefully in the early hours of July 1st, 2021 surrounded by her family.
She was as graceful in her exit as she lived her life.
Birgit is survived by her son Johan (Jane) and her grandsons Andy in London, David (Rachel) in Milwaukee, Charlie in Edwards CO., and Craig Tomlinson in Boulder CO. as well as two great grandchildren, Everett and Greta. She is further survived by extended family and close friends.
She is pre-deceased by her husband, Anders and her daughter Karin Segerdahl Noll, her parents, Ragnar and Signe Nilsson as well as her sister Maj Bohman and her brother Lennart Nilsson
Birgit was born on November 27th, 1924 in Vastervik, Sweden. Her family owned and operated a fleet of ships that traveled internationally. After completing her formal education in Sweden at the end of WW II she was able to travel to the United States and continued her studies at Downer College in Milwaukee. It was in Milwaukee that she became engaged to Anders Segerdahl, a fellow Swede.
They were given passage on a family ship back to Sweden with plans for Anders to rejoin the Segerdahl Leather Company, get married and build a family.
However, they missed their many friends in Milwaukee. So soon after having Johan, they decided to immigrate to the US. The two of them exemplified the "American dream".
Birgit spearheaded a wonderful home bringing up two children. Anders worked hard and eventually retired as Chairman and CEO of the ESG Group.
They had a wonderful life together traveling often back to Sweden and spending quality time in Egg Harbor, Milwaukee and Sanibel FL., and enjoying memberships; in the Horseshoe Bay Golf Club, the Captiva Yacht Club, the Town Club, and the Milwaukee Country Club.
Birgit created a special home mixing her adopted American values with her deep Swedish roots and giving her children, grandchildren and close friends, a unique and thoughtful view of the world.
After Karin, her daughter, and Anders' tragic deaths in 2010, Birgit carried on. Her bravery was exemplified in her elegance and warmth. She found strength in her family and closest friends and set a heroic and compassionate example to us all.
In her later years she developed her artistic talents focused on floral watercolors. This brought hours of enjoyment for her as well as friends and family.
Her family wishes to thank her very special friends Kathy, Wendy and Heidi in Milwaukee as well as Rodney and Darla in Florida and Chelsea in Egg Harbor.
A private memorial service is being planned for later in the summer.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name can be made to the Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202.
Birgit...Gittan...we love you