OBITUARIES

Vibeke Gjøe Einhorn

Vibeke was kind, thoughtful, giving, and warm, even as her Parkinson’s progressed.  She was also unflinching and intrepid.  Vibeke was primarily raised in Copenhagen, Denmark by her mother and grandparents. She became close with her step-parents and half-siblings, including those in Victoria, Canada, despite age differences and distance. 

Vibeke obtained her Registered Nurse with honors and was her class commencement speaker at the University of Copenhagen.  It was there, at the student union, that she met her future husband, Martin Einhorn. They soon married in Søllerød Kirke in 1967. 

About a year after their wedding, Vibeke moved back to the United States with Martin; he surprised his friends with his beautiful Danish bride. They initially lived in California, at Stanford and Berkeley, then lived in Illinois while Martin worked at the Fermilab. Vibeke collected friends and hobbies in each place they lived. She furthered her education in America, getting her Master of Science in Nursing, and consistently worked as a registered nurse. She adapted to the traveling life and spread joy with her contagious smile. Her hobbies in the ‘60s and ‘70s included belly dancing, pottery, and so much more.  

They settled in Ann Arbor, Michigan for many years to raise their children, Michael and Linda. Vibeke worked at the University of Michigan hospital as a nurse and quickly became part of the community. She baked bread to welcome new neighbors, kept dog treats, and decorated elaborate cakes for almost every occasion. Her garden flourished and she often rehabilitated orchids for friends and neighbors. In the ‘90s she helped found WISE, a women’s investment club, and often hosted  book clubs and dinner parties. 

Vibeke also sewed costumes for plays and made family halloween costumes; she loved to dress up and participate.  She volunteered at the school, was an outstanding cook, and was the best chauffeur for 5 am travel soccer games. She even, allegedly, was the get-away driver for a few choice toilet-papering missions. When the kids wanted to have a food-fight, she organized one outside and hosed them down when they were done. She loved to laugh, and consistently supported and uplifted those around her, especially her family. 

Vibeke and Marty returned to California in 2004, where she reconnected with dear friends and collected new ones through exercise classes and volunteer work. She enjoyed baking treats with DAWG, an organization for dogs with medical needs. Her Santa Barbara book club was a consistent source of enjoyment and community for nearly 20 years. Vibeke was also an avid reader to the very end. 

She loved visiting family, until travel became too difficult for her. She adored her four grandchildren, who all remember her fondly. Many of her best qualities (and recipes) live on through her children, grandchildren, and likely, through some of you. 

Vibeke opted for a “green burial,” her family will receive soil to plant trees in her honor, and the rest of the nutrient-rich-soil will be used to support conservation efforts and soil restoration.