Olive Juliet Gustafson (nee Johanson)
Began her life on January 2, 1918 in Tofield, Alberta, mid-prairie winter. She was the third oldest in her parents’ family of 8 girls and 2 boys. Married to David I. Gustafson in Edmonton, Alberta, their family of three children expanded at intervals, while they looked after several other children. They moved to Surrey, BC, to help Olive’s father; and then to Port Coquitlam, BC, where they were house parents for several men with disabilities. Maple Ridge became home, for almost 20 years, there she and her daughter lived and gardened; and she joined choirs and thrived, singing for “old people”. Passing over Jordon, Olive joined family members and friends, in late spring – a time that Olive had always loved (June 4, 2017). As she had wished, she was at home, in her own room, surrounded by our garden’s flowers and her family. Hugged often, throughout the stages that took her home to be with the Lord, she left in the early morning. She is survived by her children: David Gustafson of Langley, Dianne Gustafson of Maple Ridge, Shelley Friesen of Nanaimo, and two sisters, Magda Baglo and Marg Christopherson, both of Chilliwack. Also, feeling the loss of a precious lady, are her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. A celebration of Olive’s life will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 12145 Laity Street, Maple Ridge, BC, on Saturday July 22, 2017 at 2:00pm. A reception will be held, after the memorial service, in the adjoining hall. Thank you to all who have helped us throughout this time, your kindness is deeply appreciated.