Barbara Elaine Gustafson
May 10, 1942 - December 25, 2023
Barbara Elaine Gustafson (McClean), of Gardnerville, Nevada, passed away in the early morning of December 25, 2023, at the age of 81, while in hospice. Barb was the daughter of the late Alan and Clara McLean of Newb York City. Barb was born on May 10, 1942. Her parents moved her to Coyocan, Mexico City, Mexico when she was just 1-year-old, so her first language was Spanish. When Barb was 17, she moved back to the Unitedn States and worked as a host for the airlines. She met her husband, Allan, at Emmanuel Luther Church in North Hollywood, CA. They were married and had two boys, Scott, and Brad. Through the years they lived in Boulder City, NV, Burbank, CA, Lake Tahoe, CA and finally settled in Gardnerville, NV. Barb made sure they spent every summer at the beach in Oceanside, CA, a tradition that is still going on today with Brad, Scott, Monica and now Parker.
Barb will forever be remembered for her vibrant/positive personality and her giving heart. During her beautiful life she was a loving wife and mother, a talented painter, a world traveler, a gracious hostess to friends and family, a mentor to youth, a kind mother-in-law, a trustworthy friend, and the best Nana a grandson could ask for! She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Allan Gustafson, her brother Jorge McClean (Elsa, nieces: Elena and Clara), her son Scott (Monica, grandson: Parker) and son Brad (step-grandsons: Ryan and Matthew Clarke), her sister-in-law Arlene Fowler (nieces: Lori and Dana), many cousins and friends.
A celebration of Barb’s life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 11:00am–2:00pm, at the Carson Valley Methodist Church, located at 1375 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville, Nevada 89410. Following the service a potluck style lunch will be held in the adjoining hall.
Please feel free to bring a dish in honor of Barb. RSVP Monica C. Gustafson at 775-901-1473, as soon as possible.