November 17, 2011
Gustafson, Virginia A.
Virginia Anna (Gray) Gustafson, a resident of Dedham for 62 years, died Tuesday, November 15, 2011. She was 88. Virginia was born November 25, 1922 in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating from Boston University in 1942, Virginia (Jeannie) ventured to England for two years where she worked in a lab to support the war effort and upon her return to the States, married her sweetheart, Lenny Gustafson, a U.S. Navy veteran, in 1947. While raising three children (Glenn, Lee and Sharon), Jeannie embarked on a professional administrative career that lasted over 30 years, first working as a secretary at Rustcraft Corporation in Dedham and then, as an executive assistant at Ludlow and Tyco. She retired in 1987. Jeannie adored her siblings, family, friends and neighbors. She was an active member at Allin Church in Dedham for over six decades. Jeannie loved family summers by the shores of Newfound Lake in New Hampshire, frequent get-togethers with family and staying connected with her community via cards, notes, letters, visits and phone calls. Jeannie reveled in annual treks with her husband to Bermuda and Florida and in all things England. An avid sports fan, Jeannie was a diehard member of Red Sox Nation, a faithful fan of the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots and was a devoted TV viewer of Major League Baseball games. Virginia is survived by her husband Gustaf Lennart (Lenny) Gustafson; her daughter Sharon Gustafson and her husband Gary Russell of San Tan Valley, Arizona; her two sons, Glenn Gustafson of Dedham and Lee Gustafson and his wife Lisa of Foxboro; and her brother Ernest Gray and his wife Eleanor of Duxbury. She was the sister of the late Dorothy Cameron of Braintree. In memory of Virginia, donations may be made to Voluntary Service, EMRM VA Hospital, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730. Please make checks out to “Voluntary Service” and write “Activities for Unit 62AB” in the memo section of the check.
Comments(3)
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Virginia when Lee and I were freshmen at RISD in 1972. She generously extended herself and included me in their holiday plans. It was touching, very considerate and without hesitation. So genuine.
My sincere sympathies to the entire family but especially to Lee who has been everything a mother could have expected and more.
Best wishes.
Joe
What a family treasure she was…she will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. Our family has many special memories of her. What a very special lady and friend…
Our love to Uncle Lenny and the rest of the family.
Susan and family
What a great lady, we always enjoyed visiting her. She will be missed by so many.