Birte Stein (Pedersen) Geijsbeek

Birte was born and raised in Kalundborg, Denmark to Karen and Stein. She completed nursing school at Frederiksberg Hospital in Copenhagen and became a Danish exchange nurse upon graduating. Though she would maintain close ties to her home country throughout her life, an American adventure called to her.. 

Her nursing career of over 40 years began with exchange nursing assignments in Boston, Denver, and finally Seattle, where she established roots. She worked in the operating room at Harborview for ten years and later, she worked at Swedish Hospital for thirty years, where she was head nurse of open-heart surgery at Swedish Hospital before moving on to vascular surgery. 

Birte met her future husband while working at Harborview and later, their son was born there. Her support for her son was unwavering. She instilled her own adventurous spirit in him, always encouraging him to go forward and explore. 

Exploration was in her heart, especially space exploration and aviation—interests she shared with her son. They were often seen together at aviation events, air shows and flight museums, celebrating their special mother-son bond. Always an admirer of innovation, she enjoyed following and appreciating new technological breakthroughs.  

Birte loved spending time outdoors exploring the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and was especially fond of Mount Rainier--the Cascade skyline a stark contrast to the rolling hills of her native Denmark.  

She loved cats and over the years, she and her husband took in a number of feral and domestic cats. These cats were cherished and enjoyed a comfortable and happy lifestyle.  

Birte was well loved by family and friends and touched so many lives. She so enjoyed bringing people together, to share a meal and each other’s company.  Her spirit will always remain with us…. 

A memorial service will be held at Edline-Yahn Covington Funeral Chapel on Sunday, July 16th at 1:00 pm. Followed by a service at Tahoma National Cemetery on Monday, July 17th. Donations may be made in her name, to the Museum of Flight or the Danish-American Museum.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Birte Stein (Pedersen) Geijsbeek, please visit our floral store.