# Elsa-Karin Boestad-Nilsson > mathematician and programmer (1925-2020) **Wikidata**: [Q42393752](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q42393752) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elsa-Karin_Boestad-Nilsson) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/elsa-karin-boestad-nilsson ## Summary Elsa-Karin Boestad-Nilsson was a Swedish mathematician and programmer recognized for her work in software engineering. Born in Stockholm in 1925, she lived until 2020, representing a generation of women who contributed to the early development of computer science in Sweden. ## Biography - **Born:** November 25, 1925, in Stockholm, Sweden - **Died:** March 27, 2020, in Lidingö, Sweden - **Nationality:** Sweden - **Field(s):** Mathematics, Software Engineering, Computer Programming - **Gender:** Female - **Known for:** Working as a mathematician and computer programmer. ## Contributions Based on the provided structured data, Elsa-Karin Boestad-Nilsson is identified as a practitioner of software engineering and mathematics. While specific software projects or mathematical papers are not listed in the source material, her classification provides insight into her professional contributions. As a **programmer**, she is defined as a person who writes computer software, a role that falls under the broader class of software developer. Her dual identification as a **mathematician** indicates that her work likely involved the theoretical underpinnings required for early computing and algorithm development. During her active years, the field of software engineering was evolving, and practitioners like Boestad-Nilsson bridged the gap between pure mathematics and practical software application. Her inclusion in the biographical reference work *Vem är hon* ("Who is she"), which documents notable women, suggests she held a significant standing in her professional community. Her career spanned a transformative era in technology, moving from foundational mathematical principles to the establishment of software engineering as a distinct discipline. ## FAQs ### Q: When and where was Elsa-Karin Boestad-Nilsson born? A: She was born on November 25, 1925, in Stockholm, Sweden. ### Q: What was Elsa-Karin Boestad-Nilsson's profession? A: She was a mathematician and a computer programmer, classified broadly as a software engineer. ### Q: When did Elsa-Karin Boestad-Nilsson die? A: She passed away on March 27, 2020, in Lidingö, Sweden. ### Q: Is Elsa-Karin Boestad-Nilsson featured in any biographical dictionaries? A: Yes, she is described by the source *Vem är hon*, a biographical dictionary focusing on notable women. ## Why They Matter Elsa-Karin Boestad-Nilsson represents the foundational generation of software engineers and mathematicians in Sweden. Living from 1925 to 2020, her lifespan covers the entire history of modern computing, from its theoretical mathematical roots to the ubiquitous software of the 21st century. Her professional identity as both a mathematician and a programmer highlights the interdisciplinary nature of early computer science, where mathematical rigor was essential to software development. Her recognition in Swedish reference works like *Vem är hon* underscores her role as a notable female figure in the sciences. By occupying these roles during the mid-20th century, she contributed to the establishment of software development as a recognized profession. Her life and career serve as a historical marker for the participation of Swedish women in the early technical workforce, paving the way for future generations in the technology sector. ## Notable For - Being identified as a **mathematician** and **software engineer** in major knowledge databases. - Having a documented biography in the Swedish reference work *Vem är hon* (pages 74–75). - Representing Swedish female professionals in the fields of mathematics and computer programming. - A lifespan that spanned 95 years (1925–2020). ## Body ### Early Life and Background Elsa-Karin Boestad-Nilsson was born on November 25, 1925, in Stockholm, Sweden. She held Swedish citizenship throughout her life. Her early life occurred during the interwar period, preceding the electronic computer revolution. ### Professional Career Boestad-Nilsson pursued a career in the analytical and technical fields. She is recognized under the occupation classes of: * **Mathematician:** An expert in the science of numbers, quantity, and space. * **Programmer:** A person who writes computer software. * **Software Engineer:** A practitioner of software engineering. Her work involved the development and writing of computer software, likely applying mathematical principles to computing tasks. ### Recognition and Documentation She is recorded in the Swedish biographical dictionary *Vem är hon* ("Who Is She"), a source that documents the lives and achievements of Swedish women. This entry confirms her status as a noteworthy figure in her field within Sweden. ### Later Life Elsa-Karin Boestad-Nilsson spent her final years in Lidingö, Sweden. She died on March 27, 2020, at the age of 94. Her biography is maintained across multiple languages on Wikipedia (English, Finnish, Macedonian, Swedish) and is indexed in the Google Knowledge Graph. ## References 1. [Source](https://runeberg.org/vemarhon/0074.html)