Birgit Elisabet (Skoglundh) Paulin

Birgit Elisabet (Skoglundh) Paulin, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side on January 18, 2021. 

Born March 7, 1933 in Stockholm, Sweden, Birgit emigrated with her family to Needham in 1969. Birgit loved life. With her great intelligence, clever wit, and deep empathy, Birgit brought laughter, joy, and comfort with her wherever she went. A voracious reader, Birgit was a member of three Swedish book clubs, which she attended until a year before her passing. She had a particular interest in the writings of August Strindberg, William Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, as well as Roman and Swedish history. She was president of the Needham Garden Club and tended annually to her own beautiful garden that left viewers in awe. Her home was the site of the legendary Swedish Christmas party, bringing together friends and family with arms wide open. Birgit was an avid sportswoman. She played tennis for many years, enjoyed cross-country skiing, and speedskating in her youth. As a child her mother taught her to sew, a talent she used throughout her life and handed down to her own children. She appreciated art of all kinds and took great pleasure in visiting museums. During her lifetime, she traveled the world with her husband and family. Daily, she read The Boston Globe’s “Reflection for the Day” meditating on the words of great thinkers. One of her favorite reflections: “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library” (Jorge Luis Borges).

Devoted wife for 57 years of the late Sven Paulin M.D. Ph.D.. Beloved mother of Susanne Portanova, Magnus Paulin, Helena Paulin-Pintoff, and Viveca Paulin-Ferrell.  Adored grandmother of Elizabeth and Michael Portanova and Magnus, Mattias, and Axel Ferrell. Cherished aunt of Eva and Lars Hofsjo of Sweden and extended family. She will be dearly missed.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, services are private. A memorial will be announced at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions in her name, Birgit Paulin, to The Scandinavian Library, 206 Waltham Street, Newton, MA 02465. https://scandinavianlibrary.org.  

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