Barbara Gustafson

OXFORD – Barbara M. (Chase) Gustafson, 93, of Locust Street, died Monday, February 20, 2023, at the Meadows of Leicester.  She was predeceased by her husband of 25 years, Lawrence R. Gustafson who died in 1974.  She is survived by two children, Susan Paul and her husband Marshall of Oxford, and Lawrence Gustafson and his wife Connie of Worcester; five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.  She was predeceased by five brothers, Dick, Al, Everitt, Frederick and James; and a sister, Caroline.  She was born in Taunton, daughter of the late Alton and Myrtle (McCarty) Chase, and lived in Worcester before moving to Oxford in 1981.  She attended Commerce High School in Worcester.

Mrs. Gustafson worked at Toys R Us in Auburn for 13 years, retiring in 2004.  Previously, she worked at Robinson Thread in Worcester for 10 years.  She was a longtime member and deaconess at Hillcrest Worship Center in Rochdale.  She loved fishing, reading, puzzles, and was an avid Red Sox fan.  She loved her summer vacations on Cape Cod every year.  She will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, whose family meant everything to her.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Meadows of Leicester, especially the nurses, CNA’s, activities staff, and therapy department, for their exceptional care during her time there.

A funeral will be held privately.  Burial will be at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Meadows of Leicester, Activities Dept., 111 Huntoon Memorial Highway, Leicester, MA 01542.

Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.