Betty Betty A. Alexander Gustafson

Betty Alexander Gustafson, 96, of Pompano Beach, FL, died December 28, 2013. Born in Erie, PA on June 19, 1917, she was raised in Erie and graduated from high school at the age of sixteen. Betty then attended Erie Commercial College, graduating at seventeen, and immediately began contributing to the family income as a secretary. She attended night school at the University of Pittsburg extension, becoming a licensed Social Worker, which she practiced until her marriage to Richard O. Gustafson of Columbus, OH. Her husband had graduated from the University of Michigan in Forestry and went to work for the US Forest Service. His career required frequent moves and they lived in eight different states. Their three children were born in Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Betty and Dick finally settled in South Carolina where her children were educated, earning Masters and PhD degrees. Betty and Dick retired to Lighthouse Point in 1981. Her husband Dick passed away there in 1983. Betty remained in Florida taking care of her parents until their passage, relocating to John Knox Village in Pompano Beach in 2003.

Betty was very active in the community and her church. She was one of the original members of the League of Women Voters in South Carolina, then served as Secretary and Vice President of the Broward County chapter and received a Life Membership for 50 years of outstanding service. She also served many roles in her local community organizations, including treasurer of St. Vincent DePaul Society, an active Rotarian, a founding member of the Funding Arts Broward organization, and a Lector at her church. She volunteered for those less fortunate by reading to the blind, bookkeeping for the North Broward Hospital Auxiliary, and serving on the Board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. In addition to her community service, Betty was an avid reader and swimmer and traveled extensively, visiting Peru, Kenya, China, Ireland, England, Austria, Italy, Holland, Denmark, Russia, Nepal, and France.

Betty is survived by her son, Richard A. Gustafson and wife Jennie, and her daughter Kristin Gustafson Koosa and husband Jimmy. Her husband Dick and her son David Gustafson preceded her in death. Betty also is survived by four grandchildren Richard Gustafson, David Gustafson, Barbara Koosa Ryan, and Mickey Koosa and three great grandchildren Hugh Ryan, Kristin Ryan and Brady Koosa, and her godson Edward Carraway.

A Requiem Mass for Betty was held at John Knox Village chapel with Father Francis Akwue of Saint Henry Catholic Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice by the Sea, Pompano Beach, Florida.