HAMPSTEAD — Per Åke Svensson, 85, of Hampstead, passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at his daughters’ residence.
He was born on August 4, 1939, in Sweden, to the late Andrin Svensson and the late Adelaide Nilsson Svensson.
After nine years of fighting cancer and caring for Ann Marie, his wife of 62 years, his body had nothing left to give.
Per Åke prided himself on raising a loving family, his Swedish heritage, and pulling himself up “by his bootstraps.” He always had time for others and was known for his gregarious and engaging personality. His sense of adventure and curiosity led him to live an eclectic life, always taking the challenging route …. as a youth he earned his passage to the US by working on a steamship; as a young adult he lived in South America trekking and climbing the Andes; when he started a family he adopted twins; and when he chose vacations it would be exotic destinations like the Amazon or Iceland….. never a resort.
Professionally, he built a career in finance, insisting on always working for Swedish companies. He ended his career as Global VP of Finance for Ericsson Mobile. Fortunate to retire in his fifties, he enjoyed traveling internationally to visit friends and experience foreign cultures. He and Ann Marie would also spend months on the road touring our beautiful country. Later in life he was a Superfan at his grandkids’ soccer games. He often analyzed video of Nilsy’s games to provide “constructive” feedback on the teams’ performance.
His final days were spent in Wilmington NC being with his grandkids and tirelessly caring for Ann Marie.
Per Åke is survived by his wife, Carin Ann Marie Nilsson Svensson; his daughter, Malin Wrenn and husband, Edward; his son, Patrik Svensson and wife, Jennifer; his sister, Inez Vigermalm Engdahl; his grandchildren, Nils Svensson, Isabelle Wrenn, Tyler Wrenn, and Charlotte Wrenn; his beloved dog, Rosie; and several nieces and other family members.
There will be no services at this time.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
