Ethel M. Gustafson

Gustafson, Ethel Margaret (Shideman) 7/14/1947 - 11/21/2012 Often referred to as "Ethel" (not much one can do with this name!) In so many ways, Ethel is both a Shideman & a Gustafson! A loving daughter to Frederick & Margaret with all of their exceptional genes intact; a special little & big sister (sister-in-law) to Fred (Kathy), Jeff (Pat), & Liz Liebo (Randy); a perfect & ever-forgiving wife and life-long soul mate to Jeffrey; an unbelievably dedicated mother to Sven, Peder, Hans, & Mara; a devoted "Mammam" to Spenser, Margaret, Harriet, Harriet (she is soooo cute she just has to be referenced twice!), & Lukas; a smothering, loving mother-in-law to Anna, Sage, Audrey, & Favorite Son-in-Law, Dave-James Nagatori; the absolute favorite (disputed by a few) daughter-in-law to Harry and Doris; always more of a loving sister than sister-in-law to Greg (Jeannie), Kevin (Mary), Heidi Wiessner (Brian), & Dori Herman (Jim); an always welcome "Auntie E" in the lives of too many Nieces, Nephews & many other categories that are too lengthy to list; & a committed companion to Maggie, her 'constantly attached to her side' Pug. Ethel conducted herself strictly as a co-worker vs. employer to everyone in her professional, volunteer networks, & endeavors of many unrelated directions. Ethel was first a cute Y-Teen & later part of their management team with her first job out of College. She performed as a talented ballerina; a proud Edina Hornette; a confident captain of the Gopher cheerleaders; a stunning S.A.E. little-Sister & Official S.A.E. college class note-taker; a spirited tennis player & "good-sported" skier in past days (meant much more volunteer & fundraising duties than Slope-time); special friend to her co-workers in her management tasks of her gift shops & restaurants: a loyal & admired friend to countless people; a home-design & selection-advice expert to hundreds of respecting new-best friends made through the Stonewood family of clients & co-workers; a cherished neighbor to many- although very tired of moving; & a unique friend to an even -more unique free-spirit; Todd ("spelled with two d's"). Ethel is a respectful admirer of Madeline Island's tranquil beauty (but she also loved Cleveland, so.....). She always left a long trail of touched and appreciative new best friends where /whenever her life's adventures took her. She could only see & recognize the beauty & good traits in everyone she came into contact with. She never was able to recognize any evil, bias, envy, differences, or color in anyone (traits which trickle down from her Parents). Ethel's challenges with ALS (aka Lou Gehrig's disease) were managed far above and beyond all expectations in loving & caring ways through her professional support providers at Virginia Piper, Allina, the entire flock of Spruce Placed "Crows" in just all the right Places, & other local medical & hospice facilities. The big winner on Nov. 21st was her loving father, Dr. Frederick E. Shideman, who preceded Ethel in her unexplainable passing, & has waited a long time for their reunion. For so very many others, acceptable and worthy closure will be a long, tough joint journey on this one..... A Gathering of all- welcome Friends & Family (all in remembrance and celebration with those who have "been so lucky to have shared parts of their life with Ethel" will take place on the evening of Fri. Nov. 30th from 4-8:30 PM at Colonial Church of Edina, 55436. Any of the people so touched by E's life are requested to attend & share. A Life Celebration ceremony in Ethel's honor and remembrance will take place at 11AM on Sat, Dec 1, at the Colonial Church Of Edina. Greetings with lite nourishments will follow. Memorials to MN ALS Assn are Ethel's preference in lieu of flowers to keep in step with her continuing caring about others

Tributes

Ethel M. Gustafson

November 21, 2012

Tributes

Ethel M. Gustafson

November 21, 2012

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