Grethe Johnsen

Grethe Helene Johnsen, born Middelthon (1915 – 19 May 2014) was a Norwegian organizational worker.

She was born in Kalvøy outside of Stavanger, and moved to the city at the age of twelve. She became active in the Norwegian Red Cross at an early age, and became its first female president in 1975.[1]

She was decorated with the King's Medal of Merit in gold in 1976 and the Order of St. Olav (Knight, First Class) in 1982, and received honorary membership in the Norwegian Red Cross in 1993.[1]

She survived her husband and one daughter, but still had two children when she died in May 2014.[1]

Career and Recognition

Grethe Helene Johnsen (née Middelthon) became the first woman to serve as president of the Norwegian Red Cross in 1975, marking a significant milestone in the organization's history. During her leadership, she promoted humanitarian values and encouraged broader participation in volunteer activities across Norway. In recognition of her service, Johnsen was awarded the King’s Medal of Merit in gold in 1976 and was appointed Knight, First Class of the Order of St. Olav in 1982. She was also named an honorary member of the Norwegian Red Cross in 1993. Her contributions are remembered as instrumental in strengthening the organization's national profile.[2][3]

References

  1. ^ a b c Thorkildsen, Erik Andreas (7 June 2014). "Grethe Johnsen er død". Stavanger Aftenblad (in Norwegian). p. 15.
  2. ^ https://playback.fm/person/grethe-johnsen
  3. ^ https://stavangerbyarkiv.no/nettutstillinger/grethe-helene-johnsen/


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