Nancy Jean Gustafson

Nancy Jean Gustafson was born in Orange, New Jersey on August 24, 1945, to her parents Helen and Harvey. During her younger years, the family lived in France, Columbus, Ohio and Illinois due to her dad's job. At the age of 8, the family included her younger brother Carl and they settled in Connecticut. She was a great daughter to her two high expectation parents and a caregiver to her younger brother. They all have predeceased her.

Nancy received her registered nurse education at Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Her nursing career spanned many areas including emergency room, psychiatric, rehabilitation, visiting nurse, consultant and lecture, and her longest work in geriatrics and developmental disability nursing.

In addition to her nursing skills, Nancy was a brilliant source of support and counseling to her friends and clients. In her nursing school yearbook, the quote she chose was: "To 'listen' another soul into a disclosure and discovery may be almost the greatest service than any human being ever performed for another." This was the core nature and ability of Nancy in helping so many with her support and counseling. Nancy was the first single adult allowed to adopt an infant in the state of CT. Along with her love of people, animals were important to her. We fondly remember many cats including Otto, who shared her home, as well as all of her special dogs – Smudge, Josh, Bailey and now Hayley.

Anyone who ever received a note, card or letter from Nancy, or read any of her clinical documentation, cherished the absolute appropriateness of her words. She always captured the essence of the message she was sending.

Nancy leaves behind her granddaughter Kayla Matthews, who shared her home and life. She also leaves behind numerous lifelong friends who will miss her immensely. Her paternal Aunt Mona and her cousins Donald and Lisa grieve for her passing as well. Her daughter Dana Gustafson survives her.

There is no way to adequately tell of the impacts of Nancy's life on clients, colleagues, and the world. She died peacefully at St. Francis Hospital on April 17, 2023, surrounded by the love and presence of her granddaughter Kayla and her loving dog Hayley. There are no calling hours or funeral, but a gathering in the future to celebrate her life will be planned. Please donate to a charity of your choice or one that deals with animal welfare.