Ellen Bang-Birge, née Ellen Bang, international sculptor and artist, died on Friday, Dec. 2, at home in Vineyard Haven.

She was born on April 21, 1954, in Lysaker, Norway, a suburb of Oslo. She spent her childhood years there. Her college days and life after college were spent in Bergen, Norway. She achieved a master of fine arts degree from the Art Academy of Bergen. She had a degree in teaching art, as well. Ms. Bang-Birge’s work was shown in 13 different countries. Her sculptures can be viewed at ellenbangart.com.

In 1986, while studying whales in Baja, Mexico, for an upcoming sculpture project, she took a side trip to Puerto Escondido, where she met and fell in love with her husband, best friend and sailing partner of 25 years, Gary Birge. After completing the whale sculpture project and the artist study grant in New York city at P.S. 1 in 1987, she moved to the San Francisco Bay area, to Woodacre, Ca., to live with Gary and his two children. She gave birth to their only son, Erik, in 1988. He is her best creation. Her works were shown up and down the West Coast of the USA. She infused her art into everything she did.

In 1999 Ms. Bang-Birge moved with her family to the Vineyard, after only visiting twice, as it was nearer to her childhood home. She loved the closeness and community of the Island, and had many close friends here. She loved walking on the beach as the sun was awakening the day with her husband and dog, and did that every day she was on the Island. She loved sailing over to Tarpaulin Cove and Cuttyhunk.

From her son, Erik: The world was unfortunate enough to lose a soul as beautiful as my mother’s. She was an extremely sweet person who always saw the best in people. I couldn’t begin to describe what she has done for myself and all those she knew. I do know that there isn’t a single person who knew my mother that didn’t fall absolutely in love with her. She brought out the best in everyone with her naive, kind, loving personality and charm. The world will truly be a lesser place without her. We will all miss the joy and cheer she could bring to anyone. We all love her, and will miss her for the rest of our lives.

In addition to her husband, Gary Birge, and son, Erik Bang-Birge of Vineyard Haven, she is survived by her stepsons, Lucas Collins Birge of San Rafael, Ca. and T. Quist Birge of Chico, Ca.; her mother, Anne-Marie Bang of Stabek, Norway; her sister, Ragnhild Bang of Heggedal, Norway; her brother, Ole Bang of Asker, Norway, along with many neices and nephews.

Her family thanks the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, their staff, Carol Forgione, Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard and the VNA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Hospice of MV, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA. 02557.

A memorial will be held at Chapman, Cole, and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs on Thursday, Dec. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m.