Kerstin Bygden

In Loving Memory of Kerstin Maria Bygden

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Kerstin Bygden, who left this world peacefully on April 15 2025, two months short of the age of 99.

Born in Sweden in 1926, Kerstin grew up in Umeå, surrounded by the coastal beauty of her homeland, developing a lifelong love of travel, tradition, and family. In her early years, she studied Office Administration in Stockholm where she met and married Joel in 1946. Her sense of quiet strength, resilience, and grace became hallmarks of her long and meaningful life in Canada starting in 1952.

Together with Joel and young children Lena, Lars and Christer, Kerstin made the brave journey to a new country, embracing change and opportunity with her optimism and determination. She built a loving home in London, Ontario where Anders was born and where she raised her family with patience and wisdom, and never lost sight of the values she held dear-kindness, hard work, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Her hands were rarely still-whether in the kitchen preparing traditional Swedish dishes, in the garden tending to her flowers, or making hand-crafted gifts for her grandchildren. She excelled at sewing and handed down that gift to Lena and others. She passed down stories, recipes, and life lessons with the quiet confidence of someone who had truly lived. Her laughter, gentle smile, and calming presence will remain in our hearts always.

Kerstin was the cornerstone of our family-a source of love, patience, and quiet guidance. Her 98 years were filled with moments both simple and profound, and she met life’s challenges with unshakable grace and when the care for her aging parents was needed, she brought Joel and 6-year-old Anders back to Sweden for 12 years, knowing that Lars, Chris and Lena had been equipped to stay in Canada independently.

She is survived by Chris (Jane predeceased) & children Jennifer (husband Jonathan) and Laura (husband Kurt), Lars (predeceased) and son Eric and recently passed daughter Ingrid (husband Pat), Lena & Jack with children Christopher (wife Janis), Ryan (wife Pam), and Jamie, Anders & Karen & children Stefan (wife Allie) and Niklas, all who will forever cherish her memory.
Though we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind in the great-grandchildren’s lives she touched so deeply; Sarah, Lucas, Leah, Evie, Beau, Sam, Jack, Poppy, Kerstin. Kerstin & Joel developed deep connections with friends that were like family to us. Tant Nina was her closest and most trusted friend.

Kerstin was lovingly cared for by Ingrid and her mother Louise for so many years. The last two years were at Elmwood Place Long-Term Care Home and the staff was outstanding. Val and Joe Platek opened their house without reservation to Lena as she often travelled from her home in BC to spend time with Kerstin for over five years. They are a source of comfort and strength from their own personal experience that meant so much to us.

A funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, London, on Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m to honor her wishes. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in her name to Alzheimer’s Society, or that you simply take a moment to do something kind in her memory.

Tack för allt, Mamma. Vi älskar dig alltid.

Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com