Birgit R. Jorgensen

October 19, 1928 - July 6, 2022

Birgit was born to Lars Otto and Eva Riis in Copenhagen, Denmark on October 19, 1928. She attended the University of Copenhagen Teachers College where she received a BA and MA degree in Education. She excelled at rhythmic gymnastics as a teenager and attended the Olympics in London in 1946 as an alternate on the Danish team. There she met her future husband, Ib Jorgensen, whom she married in 1951. After graduating, she taught middle school in Frederiksvaerk, Denmark until 1958. That year, she went to the US with her husband and daughter. They moved to the States and settled in Wallingford, CT in 1959. Birgit was a dedicated teacher at both Green Acres and Clintonville schools in North Haven for 25 years.

Birgit loved the outdoors and played tennis and golf; she also loved traveling and skiing. She was a member of the First Congregational church in Wallingford where she served as a deacon, sang in the choir and helped in organizing many events and receptions, including their annual Thanksgiving dinner for the community. Birgit was a wonderful mother and grandmother, and was the foundation of the family in all aspects. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Marianne Jorgensen and David Foster of West Tisbury, Massachusetts, Mette and Jeff Shultz of Chester, Virginia, and Lars and Lise Jorgensen of Bethany, Connecticut; as well as her six grandchildren: Christian and Ava Foster, Laura and Jennifer Shultz and Erik and Kirsten Jorgensen.

Birgit R. Jorgensen passed away peacefully at her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts on July 6, 2022 at the age of 93.

There will be a celebration of her life and memorial service at the First Congregational Church of Wallingford on November 5th at 11:00 a.m.