Tana K. Gustafson

Tana K. Gustafson, 65, lifelong Rockford resident, died Thursday, July 5, 2018 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born February 5, 1953, daughter of Eugene O. and Lola Anderson Gustafson. Graduated from East High School in 1971 and attended NIU.
Tana had a life of public service and loving dedication to the world she lived in. She joined Northern Illinois Hospice Association in 1980 as a founding board member and became the Finance Manager for 26 years. Beginning in high school, she became politically active and began her research and study of different religions. She started her own recycling company before recycling became the correct thing to do and encouraged her family members to join in. She founded and facilitated a support group for returning Viet Nam veterans as well as tutoring their children and grandchildren in math and English. When AIDS became prevalent in the Rockford area, Tana became part of the Aids Care Network as support to families and friends affected by this. Any time she saw a need she always did her best to help make it better.
Tana was a loyal and supportive friend to many as well as being god-mother to 22 children. She also was part of a poker group that played every week-end for many years and was a voracious reader.
Survivors include her parents, Eugene and Lola Gustafson; sisters, Teri (Mark) Vincent and Tracey (Jack) Armstrong; nephews, Andrew F. Vincent, Peter C. Vincent and Simon G. Armstrong; cousins and friends. Predeceased by grandparents, aunts and uncles. A special thanks to life long friend, Chris Happ for all of her love and support through the years.
A time to celebrate Tana’s life will be held on Friday, July 13, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Rev. Misha Sanders officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104 or Emily’s List, 1800 M St. NW, Ste. 375N, Washington, DC 20036. Send condolences or share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.