Solveig Wells
April 28, 1943 ~ March 22, 2013
The unexpected but peaceful passing of Solveig Wells took place on March 22, 2013.
Solveig was born on April 28, 1943, in Lienz, Austria, and was predeceased by her parents, Hanns and Wera Waltl.
As a young child, Solveig immigrated to Canada, where she grew up in Creston. She later met and married David while attending UBC, and they proceeded to see the world together. After having explored 30 countries together she finally felt sated, and when asked if she wanted to accompany him on another trip she would exclaim, "Been there, done that. I'd rather stay home and quilt!" After David retired from UNB, they divided their time between Fredericton, New Brunswick, and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, where Solveig flourished with both her artistic endeavours and her friendships.
Solveig was many things throughout her life, including teacher, volunteer, gardener, master composter and toque maker, but most notably she was a quilter. She began her craft in the 1970s working mostly by hand, and rekindled her passion in the last two decades. Her work has won prizes in shows, and has been featured in quilting magazines. She belonged to several quilting guilds, and was known both for her prolific, exacting work, and her willingness to share her knowledge and time. She had a particular fondness for batik fabrics and her favourite colour was golden mossy green.
She was extremely resourceful and never let a scrap of anything go to waste, and could often be heard saying, "Waste not, want not."
Solveig was a very intelligent woman with an unrivalled sense of humour, and although she loved pranks best, irony 000was never lost on her.
Solveig faced several incredibly difficult challenges throughout her life. Many have described Solveig as a warrior and an inspiration. She fearlessly and gracefully overcame many battles with her health, including thoracic, hip and mouth surgeries, and several rounds of radiation and chemotherapy treatments, although she ultimately lost her last and most unexpected battle with complications from heart disease.
Solveig had the pleasure of attending her 40th class reunion in Creston in 2001, and her 50th with David in 2011. She has been back to the valley four times to visit her son's family for weddings and births, helping mark four generations of her family's residence in Erickson.
Solveig is survived and dearly missed by her husband of 49 years, David; her three children, Corey (Gillian), Tara (Pierre) and Trevor; her two beautiful grandchildren, Caleb and Abigail, and her loyal dog, Misty. Solveig was loved and admired by all who knew her. She was so very unique, and will be missed dearly.
At Solveig's request, there will be no funeral; however in Fredericton, a celebration of her life and art is being planned for July.
Memorial tributes may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
"Solveig was made of high-quality steel that would not rust." - friend Ross.
"We love you, Gramma." - Caleb and Abby Wells.
Condolences may be left at www.mcadamsfh.com/obituaries/78105