Lola M. Gustafson

Lola M. Gustafson, 94, lifelong Rockford resident, died Saturday, June 10, 2023 in Wesley Willows Healthcare Center. Born January 29, 1929, in Rockford, daughter of Garfield and Esther Porten Anderson. Graduated from West High School in 1946 and Rockford University, Magna Cum Laude, in 1977. Married Eugene Gustafson in Rockford on October 21, 1950. Worked for Rockford Public Schools as a library supervisor for many years. Member of the Unitarian Universalist Church. Lola loved books and was a voracious reader. She and Gus had many life-long friends that they got together with their entire lives. She was an initiator and natural leader who also was quite politically active. She loved jazz, traveling and had a great sense of humor. Lola was a 30 year volunteer for Northern Illinois Hospice and was passionate about social justice programs. She truly helped numerous individuals and families in many ways.

Survivors include her husband, Eugene “Gus”; daughters, Teri (Mark) Vincent and Tracey (Jack) Armstrong; grandsons, Andrew (Haley) Vincent, Peter (Amy) Vincent and Simon Armstrong; nieces and nephews, Sue Hottman, George (Chris) Anderson, Steve (Jean Gerth) Anderson, Gary (Molly) Soper, Lynn (Peter) Burke, Julie (Joann Pickering) Soper and many special friends and neighbors. Predeceased by parents; daughter Tana Gustafson; brother, Byron (Marion) Anderson, sister, Marselyn (Harry) Soper; brother-in-law, Carl Roger (Chris Moorman) Gustafson and nephew, Al Hottman.

A memorial service to honor Lola will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023 in the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner Street. Reception to follow service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice, 4751 Harrison Ave., Rockford, IL 61108 or Shelter Care Ministries, 218 7th St., Rockford, IL 61104.

The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Send condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.