Britt Marianne Edstrom

Britt Marianne Edstrom, 82, resident of Apopka, Florida passed on June 3, 2020. She is survived by her dear husband Lennart, her son Filip (Carole) Edstrom, her son Mikael (Julie) Edstrom, her daughter Katarina (Matt) Ashburn, and her nine grandchildren. Born and raised near Örnsköldsvik Sweden, Britt met the love of her life and favorite dance partner, Lennart, early on in her hometown. Together they went to southern Sweden to continue his education before setting out into the world. His program brought them to the United States for two years living in Connecticut and California and driving from coast to coast to see everything in between. Shortly after returning to Sweden, they charted a course for Cagliari, Sardinia where she and Lennart embraced the Italian culture and started a family. Their two sons, Filip and Mikael, were born during this time of Italian immersion. Opportunity knocked, and Lennart’s work offered to move them to Nairobi, Kenya. Without hesitation, Britt supported the adventure whole-heartedly and worked hard to build their new life for their growing family. Their daughter, Katarina, was born and the family was complete. While they loved the kindness of the people and the unbelievable beauty of the African land, their hearts called them to the United States where they planted deep roots in Longwood, Florida. With their family business, GreenMasters Inc., blooming and their children leaving the nest, Britt and Lennart moved to Apopka. For over sixty years, Britt walked hand in hand with Lennart to build a wonderful life together. From the beginning, she was his loving and devoted partner in life’s adventures. No trip was too big or too far for family, friends, or travel. She also worked tirelessly as his business partner to manage the books and the family with ease. Their partnership on the dance floor, however, was incredible. They stole the show every time. Britt spent countless hours volunteering in the community. In the local schools, she may hold the longest running record as treasurer of the Lake Brantley High School Chorus. As time passed, she became passionate about her work with the Florida Hospital of Apopka Foundation Board where she dedicated 15 years of service. She also loved working with her dear friends at the Hagar Viking Club and the Cosmopolitan Club of Orlando. These opportunities provided some of her richest relationships and memories in the United States. But to think of Britt, we are reminded of her love of her homeland, Sweden. From gadgets, to cars, to foods, and traditions, it was evident that you could take the girl out of Sweden, but you could never take Sweden out of the girl. Luckily, she returned often, and successfully created her own Swedish home in Apopka and was overjoyed to share it with family and friends. Ever the hostess, Britt welcomed family and friends for delicious food and companionship no matter where she was in the world. To know Britt was to appreciate her incredible skills in the kitchen, her attention to detail, and her love language of making food for others. Most certainly, Britt dedicated her life to raising her children. She did so with fierce love, endless opportunities, much adventure, strong sense of family, and rich Swedish traditions. To say that she was proud of them and the families they created would be an understatement. Victoria, Robert, Olivia, Kristofer, Niklas, Elena, Tessa, Erik, and Eliott were the true fruits of her family tree. These nine wonderful grandchildren resulted from two young loves leaving Sweden for a lifetime of adventure. Britt, älskling, Mamma, Farmor, Mormor, sister, friend, we are beyond thankful for your place on this Earth and blessed to follow your lead. Your determination, kindness, love of food, dedication to friends and family, willingness to do and try anything, unwavering support, and endless love are everlasting in the memories we carry in our hearts. Until we meet again, skål to your incredible life lived. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center in central Florida.

Britt Marianne Edstrom

September 25, 1937 - June 3, 2020