Mary Eva Gustafson, 97, died on Friday, October 8, 2004 at the Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls, MN.

Mary Eva Kennedy was born on August 1, 1907 in Swift County, Murdock, Minnesota, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Rowan) Kennedy. She was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Murdock, MN and attended rural school. Following school she worked with Dr. Doswell in Southern Minnesota, as a Midwife.

Mary Eva was united in marriage to Ben Gustafson on May 9, 1934 in Murdock, MN. The couple moved to Thief River Falls on Labor Day in 1951. Mary Eva began working at Narverud Cleaners in the mid 1950s until her retirement.

She enjoyed reading, embroidery, cooking and visiting with her family and friends. But, the most important thing in her life was her family.

She was a member of St. Bernards Catholic Church and Guild and enjoyed attending Bible Study at the church.

Mary Eva is survived by four children: Tom Gustafson of Thief River Falls, MN, Lee Gustafson of Crookston, MN, Jack Gustafson of Gladstone, MO and Gary (Marlys) Gustafson of Roseau, MN; son-in-law, Jim (Janet) Fisher of Thief River Falls, MN; sister-in-law, Ann Kennedy of Murdock, MN; grandchildren: Marci, Vicki (David), Kathi (Scott), Cory (Dawn), Steven (Anne), Molly (Blaine), Patrick, Michael (Leslie) , JeanAnn (Darrell), Nathan, Nikki, William (Nikki) and Christopher; great grandchildren: Jamie, Jesse, Amber, Trent, Emily, Natalie, Cameron, Sylvia, Thea, Dylan, Tyson, Bailee, Morgan, Brent and Carrie; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben, on May 27, 1978; her parents; one daughter, Beverly; daughters-in-law: Mary and Beverly; and all of her brothers and sisters: Alice Kennedy, Francis (Ole) Kennedy, Ruth Archer, William Kennedy, John (Jack) Kennedy, and Marie Collins.