Carol (Bunny) F. Gustavson age 85, of Hackettstown, NJ died Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at Virginia's House, Belvidere, NJ. Carol was born September 17, 1930 in Hillside, NJ. She is the daughter of the late Lloyd F. and Marie (Solancis) Ferdon. In addition to her parents Carol is preceded in death by her two brothers: Edgar A. and Lloyd F., Jr., Ferdon.
Carol was a loving and devoted wife of 64 years and mother of four. She was a member of the first graduating class of William Paterson College (1952) and loved her teaching career. Though short, it was a statement of her lifelong love of and devotion to the needs of children. She was an adoption reform movement activist and was the founder of Adoptive Parents for Open Records of New Jersey. She was awarded national recognition as a Congressional Coalition Angel of Adoption in 2004 for her lifetime service for members of the adoption triad.
She is survived by her husband: Russell Gustavson, two sons: Gary Gustavson and wife Michelle, Jeffrey Gustavson, two daughters: Susan Gustavson, Cindy (Cyntia) Tananis and wife Nancy Mantz, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial visitation will be held at the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 on Tuesday December 8, 2015 from 5-8 pm. Cremation was private.
In honor of her wishes, a celebration of her life will be conducted in the Spring, a season that always held special meaning of renewal and new life for her. Her ashes will be spread at Cape Cod, her special spiritual home and fond vacation spot with special memories across many years.
Friends and family are encouraged to remember her vitality and joy of life, her special love of music, her devotion to family and love of friends. She is smiling down upon us all now, safe and loved in the hands of her “friend upstairs.”
For those desiring donations may be made to Selah Care Center, 443 Schooley’s Mountain Rd., Hackettstown, NJ 07840 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 299 Cherry Hill Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054 in memory of Carol.
Lorenzo and Margaret Howard
#5
December 8th, 2015 11:00 am
Our condolences are with you and your family. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Judy and Dave Taylor
#4
December 5th, 2015 10:50 am
Our thoughts are with you Russ at this time of loss. I feel relieved that Carol is finally at peace. We have very fond memories of the times we spent together at our home, your home, and on the cape. And of course the many adoption gatherings and activities. Carol was a very special friend. A very special person. She has touched many lives in such a positive way. Ours included. She certainly earned her wings. She will be missed. As you both
have been missed over the last several years already. Love, Judy and Dave16348
Patricia Sherman
#3
December 4th, 2015 4:51 pm
Bun had such a loving heart and marvelous spirit. I'm so glad Lenore and I got to see her recently. Her wonderful feistiness still shone through! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Annie Shingler
#2
December 4th, 2015 3:52 pm
I'm so sorry Russ. I treasure all my memories and photo's of you and Carol. All of our Tuesday lunches at Allied with Aunt Jule. And my visits to your home. Carol taught me so much about life. I've missed both of you so much. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Annie
Melinda DeNegri
#1
December 3rd, 2015 9:21 am
Bunny was one of my favorite people on this planet. I will always remember her huge heart and her contagious laugh! My most sincere condolences to the whole family.
