Olive E. (Werme) Gustafson, 89, a devoted mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday afternoon at UMass Memorial Healthcare in Worcester following a brief illness. She was born on May 4, 1914, the daughter of Bertha (Larson) Werme and William Werme. A brother, Stanley Werme, predeceased her. Olive’s devoted husband of fifty nine years, Ernest L. Gustafson, died in 2000.
Olive and Ernest were the loving parents of four children: Carol L. Peura of Princeton, William J. Gustafson of Worcester, Ronald A. Gustafson of Cabot, Vermont and Paul E. Gustafson of Shrewsbury. She also cherished their nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Formerly of Collins Street, Olive was a lifelong resident of Worcester. She graduated from North High School in 1932 in Worcester and Simmons College in Boston, where she served as an active member of its Alumni Association for many years.
A faithful worshipper and charter member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Olive was active in Lutheran Church Womens circles and volunteered at the Lutheran Home. For many years Olive shared her love of music as a violinist with the Trinity Symphonette. She also served as a Braille volunteer, transcribing printed text. She enjoyed time with her family and was an avid reader, knitter and seamstress. Olive will be long remembered for her love of life, family, home and friends.
Olive’s family appreciates your prayers as we celebrate her life. Calling hours will be held at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St. on Friday, Jan. 30 from 4-7 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Sat., Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will be in All Faiths Cemetery. To honor Olive’s memory, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester, MA 01609.