Vibeke Einhorn

May 21, 1944 - Feb. 3, 2025

Vibeke Gjøe Einhorn (born Petersen, then Geleff) beloved mother, mormor, farmor, and wife passed away in Santa Barbara, California on Monday February 3rd. She died peacefully, surrounded by her husband of 58 years, and her two children, Michael and Linda. Vibeke was many things to many people, but first and foremost she was kind. Even as her Parkinson’s progressed and her physical body declined, many people in her community, friends and near-strangers, consistently commented, “She’s an angel.” Her thoughtful gestures, selflessness, and incessant tidiness were readily apparent to anyone lucky enough to know her. Which is not to say she was passive; she was unflinching and intrepid.. She somehow managed to couple outspokenness with warmth in a way that was truly unique. Vibeke was primarily raised in Copenhagen, Denmark by her mother and grandparents. She became close with her step-parents and half-siblings, including those in Victoria, Canada, despite age differences and distance. Vibeke enjoyed school, particularly nursing school at University of Copenhagen, where she graduated with honors. Her classmates selected her as the commencement for their graduation ceremony. Ever humble, she said she was selected not because she was the “best” student, but because she was least nervous to speak in front of an audience. It was during graduate school, that she met her husband, Martin Einhorn in the student union. She quickly knew he was marriage material because “he was the smartest man I’d ever met.” Once he quit smoking, a non-negotiable, she proposed to him after only dating for about 3 months. The proposal was in part, due to their mutual desire for a good deal on a married-student-housing apartment. They were married in Denmark in 1967, and remained married until the day she passed. About a year after their wedding, Vibeke moved back to the United States with Martin. His friends were surprised when he returned with a beautiful Danish bride. They initially lived in California, at Stanford and Berkeley, then lived in Illinois while Martin worked at the Fermilab. Vibeke collected friends and hobbies in each place they lived. She furthered her education in America, getting her Masters in nursing, and consistently working as a registered nurse. Travel was a theme throughout her adult life. She adapted quickly and made people smile wherever she went, her smile was contagious. When they weren’t traveling, she enrolled in a variety of classes, including belly dancing, pottery, and so much more. Martin even helped build a kiln in the backyard where she could fire up her creations. They settled in Ann Arbor, Michigan for many years, while raising their children, Michael and Linda. She worked at the University of Michigan hospital as a nurse and quickly became part of the community. She baked bread for new neighbors, kept dog-treats by the back door, and decorated elaborate cakes for almost every occasion. Her garden flourished and she often rehabilitated orchids for friends and neighbors. She helped found WISE, a women’s investment club in the 90’s, and often hosted book clubs and dinner parties. Ann Arbor was a big part of her life, where neighbors became chosen-family. They celebrated small and big moments together, including many holiday meals filled with laughter and camaraderie. As her children grew, Vibe decided to spend more time at home, first working part time, and eventually retiring. She sewed costumes for plays and made family halloween costumes, she loved to dress up and participate. She volunteered at the school, was an outstanding cook, and was the best chauffeur for 5 am travel soccer games. She even, allegedly, was the get-away driver for a few choice toilet-papering missions. When the kids wanted to have a food-fight, she organized one outside and hosed them down when they were done. She loved to laugh, and consistently supported and uplifted those around her, especially her family. Upon returning to California in 2004, she reconnected with dear friends and collected new ones through exercise classes and volunteer work. She enjoyed baking treats with DAWG, an organization for dogs with medical needs. Her Santa Barbara book club was a consistent source of enjoyment and community for nearly 20 years. Vibe was an avid reader to the very end. She loved thrillers, mysteries, and novels of all kinds. She could always be found with a book (or two) in her hand, her purse, or her fancy electric wheelchair. She loved visiting family, until travel became too difficult for her. She adored her four grandchildren, who all remember her fondly. Many of her best qualities (and recipes) live on through her children, grandchildren, and likely, through some of you. Vibeke opted for a “green burial,” her family will receive soil to plant trees in her honor, and the rest of the nutrient-rich-soil will be used to support conservation efforts and soil restoration. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Parkinson’s Association of Santa Barbara.