How do you say goodbye to an amazing person? You don't. Those we love, live on in our hearts and memories.
Marie Gustafson, formerly of Warren, passed on March 23, 2026, at the Rouse Home in Youngsville. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her life did not read like a resume. Like her mother before her and many women of her generation, she was a stay-at-home wife to her husband Marvin and mother to their six children. We would like to convey the essence of her life. Marie loved being with others: family, friends, classmates, and the folks she met through her travels. Friendships started as early as she could remember. She and her best friend Mary met as small children in the neighborhood where she grew up, sharing life's joys and sorrows for over nine decades.
Marie was proud to be a part of the Warren High School class of 1948. She was involved in planning their reunions and class lunches and was always happy being with her classmates. Life-long connections meant the world to Marie.
Perhaps no connection was stronger or brought her a greater sense of joy than Marie's connection to her family. The youngest of four children born to Danish immigrant parents, Karl and Olga Petersen, she learned in those early years how to avoid the trouble often created by her brothers, Pete and 'Demps'. Marie also had a sister, Jean, who she looked up to and on many occasions 'borrowed' clothes from her closet. The stories and tales that were told allowed Marie to remember them and pass that joy onto her children and their families.
Marie and Marv married in 1949 and started their family in Washington, DC, then moved back to Warren. Although Marv's work required a couple of moves to New Jersey; home for them and their children, was, and would always be Warren. Together they enjoyed traveling in the US often to see their children and families. There were also several trips abroad. One of which was to Bornholm, Denmark to see where her parents were born. They enjoyed winters in Florida after Marv's retirement. Not bad for two young kids from Warren and Scandia.
But perhaps the greatest connection to family happened at Friday 'kaffe' (coffee and something sweet), holidays, and summers on the front porch, sitting around with Marv, their extended family, friends or neighbors that happened to stop by. Laughter always dominated, expressions of pride for the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were mixed in with stories from the "good old days."
Compassion and love, and sharing other's sorrow and challenges, was not a public affair for Marie. She would quietly reach out to you, and you would be surrounded by her care and embraced by her unconditional love.
Through life's ups and downs, she never lost her sense of humor. She had a wonderful family and good friends. What else could you ask for?
She was preceded in death in 2019 by her husband of 69 years, her parents, and her siblings. She is survived by her children: Carole (Don Brew, son Matthew, daughter-in-law Summer and grandson Jameson; their daughter Emily and grandsons Soren and Kai); Sue Gustafson (Jamie Nicklas); Bob (Elaine and sons Karl and Dane); Sharon (Scott Spangler and daughter Erin); JoAnne (son Henry); and Scot (Caroline).
Memorial donations may be made to a local charity of choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA. There will be no viewing or funeral. A private celebration of life will be held at the convenience of her family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com., or on our Facebook page.