Bertha Annala Gustafson, 81, of 295 Clark Street, Worcester, formerly of West Boylston, died Monday, October 20, at the Odd Fellows Home, Worcester.
She leaves her husband of 50 years, Richard H. Gustafson; a daughter, Anne Eldridge of Worcester; a son, Philip Gustafson of Oxford, MA; and three grandchildren—Erik, Sarah, and Carl Gustafson of Oxford.
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of William M. and Hilda Erickson Annala. A brother, William H. Annala, and a granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Eldridge, predeceased her. She graduated from North High School, Class of 1939 and Salter’s Secretarial School and worked for Worcester Pressed Steel as secretary to John W. Higgins. She later did secretarial work for Clara Higgins, Mary Lou Wilding White, and Bradley Higgins. Mrs. Gustafson was a Life Director of the Higgins Armory Museum and was also a Director of the Worcester County Hearing and Speech Association.
She was a Charter Member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Worcester where she taught Sunday school, served as President of the Lutheran Church Women’s Group (LCW), and was a member of the Eunice Circle.
Her funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 24, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St. Burial will be in All Faiths Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23rd. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester, MA 01609.