Gunnel Lindgren Ehrling, 89, passed away peacefully Nov. 6 in Silverthorne with family by her side.

Born and raised in Sweden, she had an illustrious career as Prima Ballerina with the Royal Swedish Ballet and appeared in several movies as a young child. She married Maestro Sixten Ehrling, the Royal Court Conductor of Sweden, also former Director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Professor of Conducting at Juilliard Music School in New York City.

They had two daughters, Elisabeth and Ann-Charlotte, who in the early ’90s came to settle in Summit County.

Gunnel’s declining health led her to move to Colorado to be near her daughters. She could often be seen in Breckenridge, enjoying her favorite almond croissant at the French bakery “La Francaise” and imbibing a “Blueberry Crush” at Amber Restaurant, and was easily recognized throughout the county by her flamboyant hats and little, three-legged poodle draped over her lap in her wheelchair.

A vivacious, charming lady, whose good humor and love of life was an inspiration to all who knew her, will be greatly missed.

Our ballerina!

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Dec. 5 at the Dillon Community Church, 371 La Bonte Street, 3 pm. All are welcome.