Dorothy Gustavson OBITUARY

Dorothy (McKinley) Gustavson, 92, of Avon, CT, beloved wife of the late Ernest A. Gustavson passed away peacefully on Monday, May 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 7, 1931, in Jersey City, New Jersey to the late William G. and Lynda (Woolley) McKinley. In 1949 she graduated from Lincoln High School in Jersey City, N.J. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management from Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey. It was a college chemistry laboratory where she met her eventual husband of 46 years, Ernie. They married in 1954 and raised their 3 children in Randolph, NJ. Together they enjoyed exploring the seacoast of Maine and listening to classical music. For 34 years, Dorothy was a member of the Randolph Township School District as a primary grade school educator. Lifelong friendships were made with several colleagues. Dorothy was a lifelong learner, an avid reader, often multiple books at a time particularly related to the history of Great Britain. She became quite accomplished in watercolor painting, gifting many completed works to loved ones for their enjoyment. With her quiet strength and faith in God, she leaves a legacy of kindness and respect for others. In 2003, Dorothy moved to Connecticut to be near family. She volunteered at Farmington Public Library, was a member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church of Avon, and supported numerous non-profits. Dorothy is survived by children, Karen Baldwin of Farmington, CT, David Gustavson of Arvada, CO; Kristin Shortell (Joseph) of Derby, CT; 7 grandchildren, Kathryn (Stephen) Wagner of Avon, CT, Sarah (Jared) van Edema of Woburn, MA, Daniel Gustavson of Boulder, CO, Kristy Gustavson of Arvada, CO, Britney Shortell (Robert) of Shelton, CT, Dorothy Shortell (Jose) of Sturbridge, MA and Courtney Shortell of Derby, CT; 6 great-grandchildren, Emma and Charlotte Wagner, Sloane and Charlie van Edema, Robert and Jacob Harayda. Predeceased by both of her parents, William and Lynda (Woolley) McKinley; husband, Ernest Gustavson; brother, William McKinley; sister, Marion Driver and son-in-law, Joseph Shortell. Dorothy also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 29, 2024, 9:00-11:00 AM, with a Memorial Service beginning at 11:00 AM, at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Rd, Avon, CT 06001. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Avon Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon, CT. 06001, or McLean Hospice, 75 Great Pond Rd Simsbury, CT 06070. For directions, online memories and condolence please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com