Johanna Borrevik Fedde was born February 5, 191 9 in Stavanger,
Norway. Both her parents, Berge Johannes Borrevik and Signe
Kristine Fedde Borrevik, were school- teachers and esteemed
learning and independent thinking. Her father, together with
hundreds of other Norwegian schoolteachers, was interned at
Kirkenes in Arctic Norway by Germans during World War ll. These
courageous teachers refused to teach the German dictated curriculum. Johanna and her
parents struggled mightily under the German Occupation of Nonruay.
Johanna attended Stavanger Cathedral School graduating in 1938. She then went on to
the University of Oslo, and was in her second year when World War ll broke out. She
saw the German troops march into Oslo on April 9, 1940. Her education was interrupted
as she fled on the last train home to Stavanger, Norway. lt was a longer ride than usual
due to the German invasion-- taking several days to cover the relatively short
distance. She and her family took shelter in the craggy fjord country of Western Norway
for a period. Once, during the war, she was stopped by the police for being involved with
listening to BBC, but the Norwegian policeman told her to vanish-- which she quickly did.
Atthe University of Oslo Johanna completed her BAin 1942 and herMA in 1946. She
attended the University of London, Oxford University in 1946-1947 . ln 1944-45 she
taught at Skt. Svithun Skole, in Stavanger, and 1947-1955 she taught at Fana Hogre
Skole, in Bergen, Norway.
ln 1955-56 she was an exchange teacher at Ballard High School in Seattle,
Washington. lt was during this time that she met her distant cousin, G. Bernhard
Fedde. They married and settled in Portland in 1957. Johanna and Bernhard were a
successful team for over 50 years. Their talents and abilities complemented one another,
and so often one played the supporting role for the other.
ln 1959-60 she taught German and English at Benson Polytechnic High School and
1961-73 taught German and French at Grant High School. During this time Johanna also
earned her Masters in Education from the University of Oregon, thus she had advance
degrees from both Norwegian and American universities. She participated in Colloquium
at Kungdlv, Sweden, at the Nordiska Tekinska Hogskola in 1985. Johanna was fluent in
Nonrvegian, Swedish, Danish, German, French and English. She had conversational
ability in tcelandic and reading ability in Latin. Certainly a woman of many words! From
1966 to 1969 she taught Noruvegian at Portland State University, and from 1970 until 1990
she taught Norwegian without pay at Portland State University.
Johanna was known for her volunteer work which is too numerous to list. However,
she is widely known for her articles in the Westem Viking, a popular Norwegian-
American weekly newspaper. From 1978 Johanna was an unpaid Portland
correspondent for the Western Viking. She contributed over 1 ,000 feature articles on
Portland area Nordic events and recognized local outstanding NordicAmericans.
Johanna was a talented pianist and guests in her home were often treated to a piano
concert. She explained the history and nuances of each piece she played, many of
which were old Norwegian tunes that told stories of the ancient Nordic myths. She
was often hostess to many 'Heritage Evenings' in her home. Always the teacher, every
conversation with Johanna was a moment for her to share tidbits of history, literature or
art.
She was a sought after presenter and public lecturer. Her presentations were
professional and always accompanied by slides of the art, history, music, literature,
heritage, culture, Norwegian bunads, World War ll and other topics; and she was a
promoter of all things Scandinavian and Nordic. Friends, neighbors, students all
recognize the significant impact Johanna Fedde had on them as individuals and on the
community as a whole. ln 1985 she was awarded the St. Olav's Medal by the King of
Norway for her achievement in promoting the Nonrvegian heritage and culture
abroad. ln 1987 she received the William Niskanen Trophy by the Oregon/Southwest
Washington Associates of the American Scandinavian Foundation "in recognition of
outstanding cultural and educational achievement to the Scandinavian community."
Johanna and Bernhard Fedde started the Jule Sangfest in Portland, a special
Norwegian Christmas church service. Bernhard and Johanna Fedde were an
inspiration at the beginning of the organization of the Scandinavian Heritage
Foundation (now Nordic NW). And after the death of Bernhard, she continued to be an
ardent supporter as the organization grew and prospered in its mission 'to preserve,
communicate and celebrate Scandinavian Heritage and Culture.' The building of
Nordia House was a lifetime dream for Johanna. She, perhaps more than anyone,
personified the Nordic NW mission statement.
Johanna Fedde/passed surrounded by loving friends and to the sound of her favorite
Nonruegian mel5dies. Johanna Fedde is survived locally by her cousin Marty Borrevik
and his family, many relatives in Norway and many friends locally and globally.
Johanna was always generous in her financial contributions to Nordic NW and took a
leadership role in its estate planning program. Donations to honor Johanna Fedde
should be sent to the Fedde Fund, Nordic NW, 8800 SW Oleson Road, Portland,
Oregon, 97223. Serviceswill be held onAugust 30,2019 atT|ME at Nordia House.
lndividuals who have national dress are encouraged to wear them in honor of Johanna