Today my mother was laid to rest at Gräsö Church on the island of Gräsö in Sweden’s Roslagen Archipelago.

Gräsö Church is a historic wooden church built between 1695 and 1697. In 1719, during the Russian raids along Sweden’s east coast known as the Russian Pillage (Rysshärjningarna), the church was severely damaged and vandalized. It was gradually restored over the centuries and today is home to, among other treasures, a beautiful 15th-century altarpiece.

This church was woven throughout my mother’s life. She was baptized, confirmed, and married there. Today, she was laid to rest in the same church where she faithfully served for many years as a church warden in the Church of Sweden.

Because I couldn’t be there in person, this is my tribute to her.

I’m singing “Blott en dag” (“Day by Day”), the beloved hymn written by the Swedish poet Lina Sandell in 1865. The hymn has been translated into many languages and is known in English as “Day by Day and with Each Passing Moment.” For generations, its words of faith, comfort, and trust have brought peace to people in times of sorrow.

Vivianne Älvebrink, née Hörner, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, almost exactly fifteen years after her husband Gunnar Älvebrink, who passed away on June 26, 2011. Together they built a long life on Gräsö, the island where she was born on April 21, 1936, in Nötsveden and which remained her home throughout her life.

Vivianne worked for many years as a dental nurse. Beyond her professional career, she was deeply committed to public service. She served as a church warden in the Church of Sweden and was an active and respected local politician representing the Moderate Party in Östhammar Municipality. Over the years she served on the Municipal Executive Board, Municipal Council, Building Committee, Tourism Board and Election Committee, contributing to the development of her community through dedicated leadership.

She was a remarkable woman, strong willed, colorful, intelligent and fearless. She faced life with determination and left a lasting impression on all who crossed her path.

Vivianne is survived by her children, Henrik Älvebrink of Östhammar, Johan Älvebrink of Uppsala and Caroline Älvebrink Calais of Dallas, Texas, along with their families, as well as her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

With Vivianne’s passing, a distinctive and deeply rooted presence is lost, a woman shaped by strong convictions, steadfast commitment and a profound love for Gräsö and the Roslagen archipelago.

May she rest in peace.