Mabel Margaret Gustafson passed away peacefully at Hospice House in Kelowna on October 14, at the age of 94. She was predeceased by her loving husband Paul of 46 years, parents Frank and Mary Baxter, brother Jim Baxter, sisters Irene Johnson and Francis Baxter, and daughter-in-law Nadine Gustafson. She is survived by one daughter Chris (Rob) Draper, and three sons, Bob Gustafson, Ken (Eva) Gustafson, and Gary (Bev) Gustafson. Eight Grandchildren, Leanne (Steven) Kirschner, Mark (Lisa) Gustafson, Jim Gustafson, Tim Anweiler, Shawna Anweiler, Krystel, Leah, and Erin Kofoed, five great-grandchildren, Micayla, Luke, Eden, Erik, and Tyler. One brother Bill (Hazel) Baxter, and nieces and nephews. Mom attended school in Theodore until she was required to help at home as her father had Parkinson's disease and required a lot of care. Mom and Dad were married in 1934 and farmed near Theodore. The family moved to Winnipeg when Dad joined the Navy during World War Two. While Dad was at sea, Mom looked after the two boys as well as raised chickens to supplement the income. After the war, it was back to Theodore and farming. In 1964, Mom and Dad retired from farming and moved to Yorkton. During retirement Mom and Dad spent seven great winters in Arizona. After Dad's passing, Mom moved to Kelowna in 1986, to be closer to her grandchildren who were all in BC. Mom was always involved in the Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday School, even long after we kids had grown up, as well as the Church Ladies Groups right up until it was too difficult for her to get out. She was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Royal Canadian Legion, recognized with a Life Membership for her years of dedicated involvement. She was a self taught seamstress, sewing all sorts of clothes including grad dresses, supplementing their retirement income. She liked to be busy so was always crocheting afgans for her children and grandchildren. Mom was a true lady, with high values and morals, making her a person that we kids can only strive to be like. Mom never had a negative comment about anyone, always able to find some good in everybody and everything. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. A Memorial Service was held on October 19, 2011, at Christ Lutheran Church in Kelowna, with Pastor Wallace Loge officiating. Interment will take place at Yorkton City Cemetery on May 7, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Fred Schneider officiating. Local funeral arrangements are in care of Bailey's Funeral Home.
