Tributes

Thursday evening, February 27th, Frances Gustafson graduated into the Presence of the Living Lord Jesus Christ. Following a major stroke five months ago, her journey this side of heaven ended peacefully with family around her bed side. As the family struggles to come to grips with a great sense of loss, our hearts are comforted with the assurance that she is in the presence of the Lord, knowing that her suffering is no more. She endured this final trial with grace and dignity. Fran's father, Frank Decker, was born in Antwerp Belgium, and her mom Mattie Dunn was a native of Virginia. She was born in Lynchburg Virginia on August 8, 1928. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband and best friend Norm "Gus" Gustafson. Fran is survived by her daughter Norma Gustafson, son Paul Gustafson and wife Judie, and her son Carl Gustafson and wife Phyllis, all now residing in San Antonio. She is also survived by grandchildren, Mandie Pignato and husband John, Stephanie Bean and husband Sam, Jonathan Gustafson and wife Kim, Cody Gustafson, Kara Burkett, Grant Gustafson and wife Farrin, and Jason Burkett; great grandchildren, Michael and Lily Pignato, Piper and Tanner Bean, Cooper and Presley Gustafson. Frances met Norm, who was from Long Island, N.Y, on a blind date. Fran always liked to say that "she chased him until he caught me." And after 58 years of marriage, it was evident to all that they shared a deep love and affection for one another. Their close circle of friends from New York City kept in close contact through all these years, meeting regularly for reunions on the East Coast and in Florida. And in their equally close circle of friends in the Restaurant Equipment and Supply industry, Fran and Gus were always seen as inseparable at industry events. Fran's passion at an early age was music, specifically playing piano. Growing up in a family of modest income in Brooklyn, they scrapped together the funds for her piano lessons. In her early 20's, Fran used the bulk of her first year's salary to purchase a baby grand piano, which is still in the family home today. Her proficiency in music allowed her frequently accompany violinists in New York City. After marriage, Fran's love of piano led her into over twenty years of teaching piano in her home. Her next career blossomed following many years as a volunteer in the Baptist Hospital system. Her outgoing personality and gift for working well with people led her to the position of Director of Volunteers at Baptist hospital from 1971-1993. In 1980, she was chosen as Woman of the Year- American Business Women Association. But first and foremost, Fran was a dedicated mother and wife. There was never any doubt that her family was the dearest thing to her heart. And it's for that dedication and sacrifice that she will always be loved and honored by those who knew her best! A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held at Mission Park Funeral Chapel 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive, Sunday evening, March 2nd, from 5-7:00 pm. Memorial Service – will be held Monday March 3rd at 10:00am Mission Park Funeral Chapel, 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive. Interment ceremony at Mission Park Cemetery at 20900 IH 10 W, followed by a reception. Directions will be given at the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, any memorials may be sent to either the "Gustafson Family Foundation" which annually supports Norm and Fran's favorite charities or to the "Norman and Frances Gustafson St. Philips College Culinary Scholarship Fund", supporting young people entering the foodservice industry. For either, donations can be mailed c/o Ace Mart Restaurant Supply, 2653 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas 78218.

Tributes

Frances Gustafson

August 8, 1926 - February 27, 2014