GUSTAFSON, Mary Ellen (née Cairns)
Peacefully in her own home, Mary Ellen Gustafson left this earth on Thursday, July 6, 2023, to join the Heavenly choir. While she will be missed dearly by her family and friends, she is joyfully reunited with those that have gone before her and she is now watching over her loved ones, and surely attending every concert from above from the best seat in the house!
Growing up in Canton, Ohio, Mary Ellen was one of eight children in a household filled with love and laughter. After spending much of her childhood battling serious illness, she would surprise many by pursuing her dreams in attending Kent State University where she earned her B.S.E. and developed her love for singing through performances with many esteemed musicians and ensembles. She began her teaching career at West Jr. and Gardner Jr. High schools in Lansing, MI, later moving to Canada to accept a faculty position at the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Music. It was there she would teach voice for several decades, sharing her love of singing with countless students. Known for her soaring crystalline voice, she was a sought-after soprano soloist in the London and surrounding area. Mary Ellen was an active member of First St. Andrew’s United Church in London, Ontario for nearly fifty years, and soprano soloist in the senior choir for 20 years, later joining the handbell choir. Though her MS diagnosis would eventually confine her to a wheelchair she maintained a fierce independence and enjoyed a vibrant life filled with her children, grandchildren, friends, concerts, bridge games, book clubs, knitting with the Knitwits, and of course, attending church surrounded by her loving church community at FSA United.
Mary Ellen is survived by her son Andrew (Cheryl) daughter Sonja (Tommy), grandchildren August (Dawn), Aaron, Oscar, Thomas, Charlotte and George, great grandchildren August Jr and Maverick, siblings Janice, Wayne, and Sandy. She is predeceased by her parents Lewis and Florence (née Kleinknecht) Cairns, and siblings Robert, Arlene, Carol, and Gary.
Cremation has taken place. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Mary Ellen are asked to consider First St. Andrew’s Friends of Music or a charity of their choice.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Friday, September 22nd at 11am at First St. Andrew’s United, 350 Queens Ave, London ON N6A 1X6.
Follow this link to view a recording of the service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6IXy8gFdAo