Background
She was born in Bergen as a daughter of priest Johan Ernst Welhaven (1775–1828) and Else Margrethe Cammermeyer (1785–1853).
She was born in Bergen as a daughter of priest Johan Ernst Welhaven (1775–1828) and Else Margrethe Cammermeyer (1785–1853).
The family home became a notable meeting place for liberal and intellectual citizens of Norway"s capital. lieutenant has been called "Christiania"s first salon". Among the people who gathered here Ola Thommessen, Lars Holst, Oda Krohg, Mathilde Schjøtt, Hartvig Lassen and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson.
Mally and Eva provided music and song.
Her sons Ernst and Ossian even lived with her, after Michael died in 1869. Herself, Maren Sars contributed with storytelling as well, in addition to being the hostess.
She died in December 1898 from when her heart quit beating. After her death, Maren"s daughter Eva, who was married to Fridtjof Nansen, took over the role as hostess for the city"s intellectuals, who gathered at their home Godthaab and later Polhøgda.