Obituary of Sally May Gustafson

Sally May Gustafson, 81, of Sampson St. in Jamestown, passed away Monday morning, Sept. 18, 2023 in her home with her family by her side. She was the widow of Bruce E. Gustafson whom she married Jan. 2, 1965 in First Covenant Church and who died Feb. 13, 2004. Sally was born in Jamestown on Jan. 7, 1942, a daughter of the late Alan and Lillian Search Berg, and was a graduate of Jamestown High School. In earlier years, Sally volunteered at the Red Cross as well as WCA Hospital. For her career, Sally was employed by the Jamestown Post Journal for more than 30 years, retiring at the age of 70. Sally was unbelievably passionate about her job at the Post Journal and continued to talk about it and tell stories of her work until her last days, always with a smile on her face. She worked in advertising and took great pride in every publication, making sure that the end product arriving on porches across the city was just as it should be. On any day, Sally could be found playing solitaire, doing crossword puzzles, cuddling up with her kitties, or watching some of her favorite shows, such as The Golden Girls. She also loved cooking and baking. No one shall ever forget her chocolate chip cookies, homemade pizza, or spaghetti sauce. She loved talking on the phone with her family and browsing Facebook to keep up with family and friends. Sally loved the great outdoors, including gardening and camping, and the family fondly remembers summer trips to Allegany State Park, a tradition which they carry on to this day. Above all, Sally had a passion for her family. She was also a sincere friend and lent a hand wherever it was needed without a second thought. Her love, kindness, selflessness, and deep desire to make others happy, will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her. Surviving are three children: Jeffrey B. (Michelle Montroy) Gustafson of W. Seneca, NY, Lisa A. (Ralph Tidd) Gustafson of Jamestown, and Amy Beth (Charles David) Parker of Wasilla, Alaska; five grandchildren: Hannah Degolier, Abigail Gustafson, Nathan Gustafson, Joshua Spagnualo, and Jessica Spagnualo; four great-grandchildren: Nora-June DeGolier, Kayden Tonkin, Jayla Spencer, and Amiyah Spencer, with another great-grandson expected in December; and a sister, Joyce Merchant of Jamestown. Besides her parents and her husband, Sally was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Berg. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home. Pastor Tom Beckstrom will officiate. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. Friends will be received for two hours prior to the service in the funeral home Friday. The funeral service will be live-streamed and accessible on the funeral home's website. Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care.