Sylvia Johnson Greenwood, 87
Sylvia Johnson Greenwood, 87, passed peacefully away late in the afternoon of August 29, 2021.
Sylvia’s home these past years has been The Courtyard in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Members of her “extended family” there at The Courtyard, along with Auburn Crest Hospice, all gently helped Sylvia to her final rest. Both of these agencies, along with their wonderful staff, are truly held in the highest regard and appreciation by the family. They have tenderly cared for Sylvia and ensured her comfort and happiness during these years.
Sylvia deeply valued her Swedish roots, which were part of her daily life. Many things that Sylvia did were from her upbringing in North Dakota and reflected her Scandinavian sensibilities. Her old school ways and practical nature, along with her faith, were her guiding principles for her life.
As a wife, Sylvia devoted her life to helping Bill. Together, they operated business from the home and Sylvia always ran the “back of the house” of both Cedar Street Electric and Westview Realty. She adored Bill and they were married for 58 years until Bill’s passing a few years ago in 2016.
As a mom, Sylvia instilled a deep appreciation of nature and always called our attention as children to pause and look with wonder at God’s creation. No detail or animal was too small or insignificant for her to marvel about its unique beauty.
As a Grammy, she loved and treasured her grandson, Nick. She always joked with him that he was her favorite grandson and they would both chuckle knowing that Nick was the only grandchild. It’s not hard to imagine that he truly was her favorite. She loved to do science experiments and activities with him when he was small, and many a cup of hot cocoa and toast were enjoyed together around the table.
Sylvia loved her family, and in reflection, it’s recognized that perhaps her strongest love language was her cooking and sharing of food. It was a direct conduit from her heart to yours. She was famous with her children for her insistence on eating a daily serving of “green and yellow vegetables every day.” She would often can and preserve food and was always eager to share it with you from the “fruit room” that Bill built her.
Truly though, her shining glory each year was the Swedish Christmas Eve dinner. It was a grand and formal affair for the family. It was complete with lutefisk, Swedish meatballs, lefse, pickled beets, and boiled potatoes and gravy. She would bake all through December tucking goodies into the freezer for the Christmas Eve meal. An array of delicious desserts including spritz, krumkake, julekage, sandbakkels and so much more were enjoyed while opening presents on Christmas Eve. It all was lovingly prepared and Mom would share stories that connected us to our Swedish ancestors. In this way, this annual family affair was so much more than just a meal.
She made a point of tying us to her roots which in turn, connected us all in appreciation and love. This was the core of Sylvia, purposeful, faithful, and loving her family in the very best way that she knew how. Godspeed Mom, you are loved and appreciated and we will continue on with those Swedish sensibilities you took the time to show us.
Sylvia is survived by daughter, Carolyn (Craig) Nelson; daughter, Jill Albertson (Bird); grandson Nick (Natasha) Albertson; great-grandsons Riley and Nash Albertson; sister Florence Dahlstrom; and numerous nieces and nephews.
To see Sylvia's online memorial and to leave a message for the family please visit www.englishfuneralchapel.com