Birgitta Eivor Moylan, a respected bacteriologist at Johns Hopkins University and a prominent figure within the Swedish community in Baltimore, passed away from congestive heart failure on October 23, 2023, at the age of 84. Her family confirmed her death at her residence in the Homeland neighborhood of Baltimore.
Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Moylan was the daughter of Sigurd Valther Jansson, an executive at the Stockholm Tramways, and Irma Birgitta Andersson Jansson, who owned a local restaurant. During her teenage years, she gained valuable experience working at her great-aunt’s general store on the island of Yxlan, part of the Stockholm archipelago. She graduated from Bromma Kommunala Flickskola in 1959 and furthered her education at the Karolinska Institute, where she trained as a bacteriologist.
Moylan relocated to Baltimore in October 1963 to join the team at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Her son, Stephan Moylan, reflected on her courage, stating, “She took a huge chance in coming to Baltimore. She picked Johns Hopkins and said, ‘I’ve heard of that.’ She loved her job and loved to work.”
Her journey in the United States included a serendipitous meeting with her future husband, Martin Moylan. After her work was featured in the News American, a photographer connected her with political reporter Frank DeFilippo, who then introduced her to Martin. Their first date, marked by a mix-up regarding his profession, began a lifelong partnership. “She mistakenly thought Martin was a truck driver because he talked about trucks,” Stephan noted, adding that her Swedish roommate later clarified Martin’s actual role as a lawyer.
Following the birth of three children, Birgitta returned to her professional roots at the Bayview Medical Center, contributing to the asthma and allergy research center under the guidance of Dr. Robert Naclerio, an otolaryngologist. Her passion for science was matched by her dedication to her cultural heritage. She was an active member of the Sveaborg Society of Maryland, a local Swedish American club that met at various Lutheran churches throughout Baltimore.
Moylan’s legacy extends beyond her professional achievements. Known for her vibrant personality, she was described as a “social butterfly” who remained actively engaged in her community. Her son emphasized her love for cooking and entertaining, noting, “She had hundreds of cookbooks. She could plan a meal, cook it, and be the life of the party.”
Birgitta’s husband, Martin, passed away in 2019. She is survived by two sons, Judge Stephan Moylan, of Oakland in Garrett County, and Christopher Moylan, of Stockholm, Sweden; a daughter, Martina Dilks, of Baltimore; a sister, Maja Berg, of Degeberga, Sweden; a brother, Christer Jansson, of Stockholm; and seven grandchildren.
The family plans to announce service arrangements at a later date.
