Albany - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Solveig Johanne (Gripsgard) Hughes, who peacefully sailed away in a Viking ship into the next life on November 30, 2024, at the age of 88.  Surrounded by family, Solveig passed away at her home in Albany and reunited with her cherished husband, Joseph D. Hughes, who had predeceased her in January 2009.  We find incredible comfort knowing they are together again in Heaven.

Solveig was born on May 31, 1936, in Bergen, Norway.  She spent her early years in her homeland before embarking on an adventurous new life at the age of 18.  In 1954, she married Navy sailor Joseph in Oslo, Norway and together they traveled to the United States to begin their journey on the East Coast, from Massachusetts to New York.  Over the years, they built a family and welcomed five wonderful children into their lives.  Solveig wore many hats throughout her life—working in a burn unit, as a taxpayer service representative for the State of New York, and as a caregiver for the elderly.  However, her most important role was being a devoted mother, raising her children alongside her husband with love, strength, and unwavering dedication.

Solveig is survived by her two brothers, Sigurd and Johann Gripsgard, and numerous relatives and friends in Norway.  Her memory will live on through her children and their families, who were the center of her world. She leaves behind her son, John Hughes, her daughter, Margaret (Hughes) Oliveira, and her husband, Richard Rasmussen; her son, Bill Hughes, and his children, Nicholas Hughes, his wife Samantha, and their sons Chase and Brooks; her grandson, Christopher Hughes; her granddaughter, Tiffany Hughes, and her son Kyle Fortune Junior; her son, Steve Hughes, and his wife, Rebecca, along with their stepchildren, Debbie Workman and Becky Siebert; and her daughter, JoAnn McMahon, and her children, Katelyn McMahon,  Lindsey McMahon, and Sean McMahon, who is married to Sabrina McMahon, along with their children Brenna and Sean.

Solveig’s legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness will forever be cherished by all who knew her. In addition to her family, she was a strong supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization that was dear to her heart.

A private service will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her memory.

Mom, Bestemor and Mor Mor (Norwegian for Mother’s Mother), your love and light will be missed by all, but your spirit will continue to guide us.  Rest in peace, dear Mom and Mor Mor, We All Love And Miss You.