Fountain Valley, CA

Birgitta Gerd Elward, aged 85, of Fountain Valley, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 14, 2025, after a brief illness.

Birgitta was born on December 31, 1939, in Borås, Sweden, the daughter of Ingeborg and Tage Johanson.

Birgitta received her nursing license in Sweden, where she worked as a nurse before moving to the United States. In October 1965, she arrived in Santa Monica as an au pair with a host family. After one year, Birgitta transitioned into a career as a surgical nurse at Santa Monica Hospital.

On September 28, 1968, she married Thomas F. Elward of New York City. They had two children. Birgitta later moved to Pacifica Hospital in Huntington Beach, where she continued her nursing career. She raised her children with love, laughter, and happiness. A supporter of multiple charities, Birgitta believed in helping others and was an active member of the Swedish Women’s Educational Association (SWEA).

She was predeceased by her sister, Inger, and survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Frank; children, Erik (Anne) Elward of Los Angeles, Sean (Emily) Elward of Falmouth, Maine, and her four grandchildren. A funeral service to honor Birgitta’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 12 at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, located at 9812 Hamilton Avenue, Huntington Beach.