Birgitta Margarita Ellis

Birgitta Ellis, 93, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, in Sacramento, California. She was born in Stockholm, Sweden, the second of three children to Gustav and Greta Wetterfors. Her husband of 61 years, Russell, preceded her in passing by three weeks (November 23). Birgitta was preceded in death by her brother Jarl and sister-in-law Gisela. She is survived by her children Chris Ellis (Jennie) and Gregg Ellis (Michelle), and her stepchildren Carol Lovvorn (Bill), Kim Macaluso, and Cheryl Shulse (Eric). She is also survived by her sister Monica, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews both in the US and Sweden.

Birgitta spent her school years in Stockholm and traveling the countryside with family during the summer, including memorable summers on the island of Öland. She then attended the Karolinska Hospital University, becoming a registered physical therapist in Sweden.

After working as a therapist at various locations in Sweden for two years, Birgitta ventured to London to work at the London Chest Hospital for five years, providing therapy for patients with cardiac and pulmonary disease. She then had the opportunity to travel to Berkeley, California to serve as a therapist for two young children needing special care. Birgitta lived with this family, including trips to their summer cabin at Echo Lake, where she met her future husband, Russ, during one of her visits. After marrying in 1962, they resided in the Woodlake neighborhood for a majority of their marriage and enjoyed cooling off at the Woodlake Swim Club.

Birgitta’s passions were being a mother, grandmother, and community volunteer (Easterseals to help those with disabilities and Friends Outside for families and children of incarcerated individuals). She also spent several years working at Timberlake Physical Therapy. Her Christian faith was very important to her, and she was a 50-year member of Carmichael Presbyterian Church. Birgitta loved her Swedish heritage and was a 50-year member of the Vasa Order of America Monitor Lodge, helping to organize seasonal celebrations including Midsummer, Santa Lucia, and floats in the annual Children’s Camellia Festival.

Our family would like to thank Lupe Robbins for the kind care she provided Birgitta over the last several years.