Margareta Magnusson passes away aged 91

We are saddened to share that Margareta Magnusson, the beloved author of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death-Cleaning and The Gentle Art of Aging Exuberantly, passed away Thursday March 12th, aged 91.

Her book about Death Cleaning, based on her country’s practice of “dostadning,” or tidying up, “when you think the time is coming closer for you to leave the planet,” was first published in 2018 and became an instant bestseller, and published in 30 countries around the world. To date, Scribner US have ordered their 27th printing of Swedish Death Cleaning, reaching a stunning 313,990 hardcovers in print. Her book even inspired the hit TV series which shares the same name. 

For Margareta, death cleaning wasn’t just about death—it was about sharing your life with others and sparing them the hassle of sorting through your stuff after your gone. Moreover, in Margareta’s own words:

“Remember that the process of death cleaning is ultimately in service to two larger points. To be less afraid of the idea of death, for it comes for all of us, and to remember that after you’ve death cleaned, no matter how ancient you become, there are always new discoveries, new mind-sets through which to see your life and the experiences you have had.”

In addition to her daughter Jane, Ms. Magnusson is survived by another daughter, Ann; three sons, Jan, Tomas and Johan Gaddn; and seven grandchildren.

Her obituary in the New York Times can be read here.