Mary Gustafson Obituary born July 23, 1960, went home November 24, 2022, at age 62. Daughter of Gordon Gustafson (deceased), and Barbara Gustafson of Hudson, OH. Dear sister to John Gustafson (Annette) of Waterville, OH, and Paul Gustafson (Kathleen) of Cleveland Heights, OH. Loving aunt of Gordon, Matthew, and Kristin. Mary got her love of birds from her grandfather, Hubert Gibson. Mary was an active member of the Cleveland Natural History Museum's Future Scientists program. She was a member of Cleveland Heights High School Class of 1978, and she earned her Bachelor of Science and master's degrees from The Ohio State University. Mary was a Bird Guide and Field Biologist for the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. She was a nationally recognized birder and birded internationally when she could. In 2005, she packed up her birds and horse in Maryland and moved to Mission, Texas. After 15+ years of living in the Rio Grande Valley, she leaves many friends and fellow birders. She hoped to be a future cancer survivor, but it was not meant to be. After a 4-year battle with cancer- most recently, a 5-month stay in the hospital and rehab-she decided it was time to go home. The night she finally made it home, she passed away and went to the "Church of the Big Tree" with a book in hand. Mary was willing to share her knowledge and was humble to accept all credit due. She inspired and motivated many to share her passion and to advocate for birds and nature. Through sharing this passion, she encouraged many people to believe in themselves. She is now flying free with the birds she loves. The world has lost a confident, self-sufficient, enlightening, and inspirational woman. She will be (and is already) missed by many. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to one of Mary's favorite birding locations. As she said, "Butterflies are good bird food". National Butterfly Center, Attn: Mary Gustafson Memorial, 3333 Butterfly Park Dr., Mission, TX 78572. To donate online, visit: https://nationalbutterflycenter.org/support-nbc/donate-now Donations can also be processed over the phone with a credit card by calling the National Butterfly Center Visitor's Pavilion at (956) 583-5400. All services private. Please feel free to leave a memory of Mary and sign the funeral home Tribute Wall at: schultemahonmurphy.com

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