Lise Hedberg (née Smedvik)

September 6, 1926 – January 17, 2026

Lise Hedberg passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 99.

Born on September 6, 1926, in Oslo, Norway, Lise was the daughter of Ragnvald Smedvik and Edith Nyquist. She grew up in Oslo with her younger sister, Vanda, and remained especially close to her cousin Jan, who lived in the same apartment building. From her youth, Lise formed deep and enduring friendships, including a close group of eight friends in Norway who remained connected throughout her life.

Lise earned a degree in chemistry from the University of Oslo. Shortly after World War II, she met Ken Hedberg, a Fulbright Fellow working in the same chemistry laboratory. They married in 1954 at Oslo City Hall and soon moved to Pasadena, California, to work at Caltech. Hating the smog and missing green landscapes, they moved to Corvallis, Oregon in 1956 to join the Chemistry Department faculty at Oregon State University. There, Lise and Ken collaborated as research partners for 60 years.

Beyond her scientific work, Lise loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker and skier. She and Ken shared a love of classical music and travel, spending sabbaticals in Norway, England, and Australia, and journeying widely throughout Europe, Mexico, Central America, and the South Pacific. Lise was also a gifted knitter and embroiderer, creating sweaters, wall hangings, and table runners that her family will cherish.

Lise is survived by her son Erik, daughter-in-law Sara, and their daughters Lindsey and Allison; her great-grandson Alvin; her daughter Katrina; her son-in-law Michael; their daughter Annika (partner Dan Rejto); son Peter (wife Paige); and her great-granddaughter Iyla. She will be remembered for her intellect, creativity, warmth, and lifelong devotion to family and friends.