In Memoriam: Svanhild T. Olsen
Published June 30, 2025
Dear, dear Svanhild!
It is so terribly sad to be standing here today. Two weeks ago on Wednesday, we spoke and planned to meet the following Sunday. There were supposed to be 12 of us having dinner at Havna in Tønsberg, but then Lise called just a few days later to say that Grandma had passed away last night.
Such incredibly sad news! Our cheerful, kind, vibrant, loving Svanhild is gone forever, but we’ll all follow one day. We live here with faith, hope, and love, and that’s exactly what you’ve given to Butterfly Friends. You hoped that all the students would have good classrooms, and on one of the doors it says “Svanhild and Øyvind Olsen.” You believed in Butterfly Friends by giving love to sponsored children and helping their families.
In 2005, I met you for the first time. Ellen and I came to Tønsberg and picked up 105 boxes of clothes and various items that you and your dear Øyvind had packed for our children in Gambia. For 20 years, you’ve supported Butterfly Friends by hosting gatherings at your home where you served delicious food and sold raffle tickets. No one knows how many pairs of socks you’ve knitted for prizes and to sell. Everything has gone to the thrift store, and always with loving thoughts for the Butterfly students.
You arranged for Butterfly to inherit money. The inheritance was actually meant for the two of you, but you thought it was much better to give it to Butterfly Friends.
You and your beloved Øyvind have been to The Gambia many times, and you embraced everyone with a smile, warmth, and joy. You started teaching at the health center, and it was the first time anyone received information about diabetes.
I’d have to stand here and talk for a long time if I were to list everything you’ve done for the students in The Gambia, but that wouldn’t help. You’re no longer here, Svanhild. It’s so sad, so sad. You, with your infectious laughter, good humor, care, and joy.
Even today, on your final journey, you chose to give a gift to all the Butterfly students. Instead of flowers, you asked for a donation to Butterfly Friends. In The Gambia, at the Butterfly Friends schools, everyone is aware of the grief we all feel here today.
We—Aud, Ellen, Olaug, Inger Johanne, and Anbjørg—thank you for everything, dear Svanhild, and will hold you in our hearts forever. Amen.
