She was awarded the Swedish royal medal Illis quorum, for her significant contributions in the field of female education.

She was one of the two daughters to Johan Vilhelm Fahnehjelm, an administrative judge, and his wife Eva Beata Giös.

She initially intended to become an artist but was compelled to choose a different career after contracting an ocular disease.

During this time, she made progressive reforms to the school's teaching curriculum to expand the scope of female students who were entering the university.

In 1898, she was honoured with the Swedish royal medal Illis quorum, for her significant contributions in the field of female education.