Linda GUSTAFSON

Linda Ann Gustafson, nee Buren, passed away on January 17 at the age of 84. Linda was born to Charlie and Ester Buren on November 11, 1937, in Yakima, WA. Linda attended Whitman College where she met her future husband, Larry Gustafson. Married while still in college, she left Whitman to start her family. Upon Larry's graduation, the young couple moved to Seattle where Linda continued to raise her growing family eventually settling in Spokane where she resided for over 50 years. Linda was an avid homemaker and hostess always ensuring that both she and her home looked "just right". When Larry decided to go to Law School, Linda took a part-time job at Lamont's at Manito Center and worked there until the company permanently closed. Linda and Larry spent years traveling to Hawaii, camping at Browns Lake, and were mainstays at the family cabin on Lake Pend Orielle. Linda stayed at Larry's side as he battled lung cancer which led to his untimely death over 20 years ago. Linda found her renewed path as a grandmother, traveler, avid book reader, free thinker, staunch Democrat (she lived to see her beloved Joe get elected President!) and so many more facets than we can list here. She will be missed.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by those that will remember her with love and miss her with grief: brother Neil Buren (Joyce), Yakima; sons David Gustafson, Bellingham; Steve Gustafson (Cynthia), Spokane; daughters Erica Apfelbaum (Nelson), Spokane; Crista Calderon ( Jose), Spokane. Grandchildren Jordan (Lauren), Mauri (Brandon), Drew (Elizabeth), Taylor (Ryan), Keaton, Blake, Gabi, Livvy. Great-grandchildren Ari, Waylon, and Sage.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Robert Wigert, Kathy, and the team at Comfort Keepers, and Hospice of Spokane. Through their collective efforts, Mom left life exactly as she wanted: in her home, free of pain with all her children by her side.