Florence Gustafson

July 21, 1926- November 13, 2020

Florence Thelma Gustafson passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday November 13 at the age of 94. She was a native San Franciscan, long time Millbrae resident and a devoted wife, friend, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother. Florence was raised as a Swedish American by her immigrant parents Gunnar and Thelma and maintained ties to numerous family members in Sweden. Florence and Bud passed on their shared Swedish culture of food, music and holidays to their four children and grandchildren. Christmas Eve 2019 was her last, and the entire family was present to enjoy the traditional smorgasbord, singing and having fun together at all ages. Florence was an excellent cook and prepared wonderful lunches and dinners every day for her husband and kids. She entertained beautifully and kept a warm, friendly and clean home. She and Bud hosted numerous gatherings for the holidays, birthdays and other occasions at the Gustafson home in Millbrae where food and drink were always delicious and plentiful. Florence enjoyed traveling and with Bud enjoyed several trips to Europe and the western US when they retired. She is survived by her four devoted children, Carolyn Seffens ( Larry), Lynn Godfrey ( George), Earl Gustafson ( Audrey) and Sandra Watts ( Rick) as well as nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Florence was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Earl ( Bud) Gustafson

Florence spent several years working in the Millbrae School District as a secretary at Taylor Middle School. She got along well with people and was loved by all at Taylor. She had a way with kids and could get even the most difficult ones to listen to “Mrs. Gustafson”. After retirement, she worked at the Ritz Shop, a local menswear store in Millbrae. She enjoyed being with a great group of coworkers and helping customers. Florence was an elegant lady and a hard worker. She was always stylishly dressed and coiffed. Her life centered around her family and everyone benefitted from her support and guidance. Florence helped to care for many of her grandchildren at various times over the years. The grandchildren remained devoted to her and she was very much the beloved matriarch of the Gustafson family. Mom also had standards of behavior and manners and had no problem reminding us of them if we veered off course. She modeled strength, love, beauty and all things Swedish to our family.

After Bud passed, Florence re connected with her high school beau Robert “Babe” Lorenzini. They shared nine happy years together. They enjoyed numerous cruises and through Babe she became reacquainted with old friends from Balboa High.

We will miss our dear Mama and are grateful that God took her as she slept. In her last days there were some wonderful visits where she was more engaged than she had been in a long time. It is as if the light shone in her right before she left us. The immediate family will gather for a grave side service later this month. For those interested, a contribution can be made in her honor to The Sveadal Memorial Fund, 1019 Pinehurst Court Millbrae Ca 94030, supporting the Swedish recreational community Sveadal, a place that she loved dearly.