On
June 2nd, 2009, having exceeded her 'expiration date' by several years, Astrid
Louise Adie decided to embark on the ultimate journey of her amazing and
wonderful life, and take her rightful place in the flock of God's angels.
Magnus and Mathilde Dahlin were living in Brooklyn, NY, on a work visa for a
short duration in 1923 when Astrid was born. A brief time later they returned to
Grimstad, Norway, where Astrid was raised. Surrounded by loving brothers,
sister, cousins, aunts and uncles this young athlete thrived, playing
championship city league handball and gymnastics. Rowing to the village across
the fjord in summer with her big brother, or swimming with big siblings and
cousins, skiing or kick sledding to school and playing all kinds of ball games
filled her childhood days. Father, cousins and uncles built beautiful wooden
boats in the shed nearby. As the large family all participated on the family
farm so did Astrid, caring for the chickens, cows and pigs, or helping
grandmother spin yarn. Everything was an adventure and led her into a lifetime
of discovery and appreciation of nature. Mother and grandmother held a deep
faith and paved the way for a lifelong commitment to her religion. Yet when the
snow was good her parents would give them all permission to go skiing together,
missing church. “God is in the forest, too,” they would say. And as all good
Norwegians, the belief that there’s no such thing as bad weather only bad
clothing, the family spent much its time outdoors, year ‘round.
Sadly she also lived through the German occupation of Norway which left many with struggles. But music and family sustained them all, instilling in her a never ending love of joyful music.
She and young son, Klaus, met and married handsome Bill from Scotland in Norway
after WWII and decided to embark on an adventure to the US. The roundabout way
took them first to Trinidad where Louise was born, on to Canada, then into the
States where Susan was born.
Working years had them moving from Richmondville, NY, to Trumansburg, which to
the young couple reminded them of their Norwegian home; Cayuga Lake reminiscent
of a fjord and the gorge and woods surrounding their first home here recalling
fond memories of the Norwegian forests.
The move to Trumansburg gave her a strong sense of the community she left behind, embracing this small village all the while building lasting bonds with an every changing community. She loved Trumansburg and all in it who helped her on her journey while she was a mom, wife, friend, grandmother, employee and neighbor.
Family and community were most important to Astrid. She was a patient and loving
mother while she struggled often to do it on her own and as a woman who worked
outside the home.
She is famous for knitting exquisite Norwegian sweaters, her cheerful gardens
and how she embraced anyone and everyone who came her way.
As a Mom and Grandma, she always stood beside her children and grandchild ren
to help guide and give a loving hand along the sometimes tough road of life.
Astrid dedicated herself to keeping people connected through her many years
working at Tompkins Trust Company in Trumansburg. As a teller she guided young
and old in the village to help with their accounting or finances enjoying
watching the children with their school bank accounts grow, as well as grow into
fine young people in colleges or careers and then returning to the bank or
community with their own children.
As a member of the Presbyterian church she worked together with other members to
support the youth of the church and everyone else who attended. In return she
received their loving support and undying friendship. It was here and
through her weekly participation in church that she cultivated many lifelong
friendships. For fifty two years she and her husband, Bill, sat in the same pew
together.
In her spare time Astrid was known also for sailing, travel and reading. But
mostly she was dedicated to loving and supporting her children and spouses,
grandchildren and great grandchildren.
With grace and dignity Astrid radiated joy and hope to all she knew with an
inner glow that defied hard times. She touched many, many lives in her time on
earth.
Astrid was predeceased by her father Magnus, mother Mathilde, sister Signe,
brothers Helge and Knut Eric and husband, Bill.
Surviving Astrid are son Klaus (Char) Adie, daughters Susan (Brad) Adie-Stahl,
Louise Adie; grandchildren Tristin (Michael) Adie Ware, Leith Adie, Brad Adie
and Stacy (David) Skipper; grandchildren Justin, Mathew, Tula and Katelyn.
A Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at the First
Presbyterian Church of Ulysses, 69 E. Main St., Trumansburg. For the service
friends are asked to wear something red, her favorite color.