Kristine Falck-Pedersen Obituary (1959

Kristine Falck-Pedersen, 66, passed away unexpectedly at her home of nearly thirty years in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois on June 27, 2026. Kristine was confident, strong-willed and unabashedly herself. She was a fierce and effective advocate for the people and principles dear to her. She loved her children, Svein and Geir, more than anything in the world. Born on July 17, 1959, in Youngstown, Ohio, Kristine graduated from Rich South High School (now Rich Township High School) in Richton Park, Illinois and spent time growing up in Tinley Park and Palos Heights in Illinois. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College Chicago in Performing Arts and a Master of Education from Northeastern Illinois University, concentrating in Special Education. Kristine was a proud graduate of the Temple of Kriya Yoga’s teacher training and seminary programs and was ordained in 1996 as Swami Jivananda. She practiced and taught yoga for more than 30 years, including at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago, the Temple of Kriya Yoga, and other health clubs and spas. As a talented singer and actress, Kristine performed in several productions at Northeastern Illinois University's Stage Center Theatre. She loved to sing spontaneously to her children at home and to animals at the zoo. Later in life, she was an avid curator, collector, and purveyor of fine Asian arts and antiques, having sold pieces at several prominent auction houses in Chicago. Kristine cared deeply about the natural world and all its creatures, having personally rescued and fostered many wounded wild animals in her home. In parallel with her practice of yoga, she was a knowledgeable practitioner and advocate of herbal and holistic medicines. Progressive causes were central to Kristine, and she supported the Democratic Party throughout her life in many ways. Kristine cultivated an eclectic taste that spanned classic films, music, and fashion, which she imparted to her family and friends. She loved to spend time with her children at the North Park Village Nature Center and Loyola Beach. In the summers, you could often find her enjoying her front porch swing or riding bikes down the lakefront. Both of Kristine's parents immigrated from Norway. She faithfully continued many family Norwegian traditions and customs, and she took her children to visit her family in Norway on several occasions. Kristine, Svein and Geir loved playing the Norwegian card game "Byggkasino" together on the front porch in the summer, a memory that will be forever cherished by her sons. Kristine was the loving mother of Svein (Katherine) and Geir, proud grandmother of Henry, and caretaker of her two adored cats, Misty and Lily. Sister of Siri (John), Sverre (Christine), and Erik (Amy). Preceded in death by parents Kjell and Astrid (née Ulven) Falck-Pedersen and a host of beloved family pets including Puli, Pansy, Rowdy, Gracie, Gandhi, and Nellie. The family has chosen water cremation and will gather privately to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the World Wildlife Fund at www.worldwildlife.org. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.