Miss-Delectable
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Deaf activist loved cooking, volunteering with hearing-impaired groups
Lorraine Gustafson found her niche within the deaf community.
For years the former Detroit resident, who was born deaf, served with many groups catering to those like her -- joyfully donating works, volunteering time and assisting others.
"She was very active," said her sister, Mary Anderson. "It gave her the ability to articulate her gifts. She was able to be herself."
Mrs. Gustafson, 53, died of cancer Monday, July 14, 2008.
Born Oct. 8, 1954, in Detroit, she was the sixth of 12 children raised by Aaron Washington Sr. and Minnie Lee Washington.
A graduate of the Detroit Day School for the Deaf, she attended the Washington Careers Center before working for 31 years at what is now the John Johnson Co. in Detroit, her family said.
In November 1982, she wed Gary Gustafson.
For nearly 30 years, Mrs. Gustafson belonged to the Silent Assembly of God church in Detroit -- her "heart and desire" because of its haven for the hearing-impaired, Anderson said.
Working with various deaf groups, she "did a lot," her sister said -- joining in everything from an annual camp near Gaylord to helping feed the poor.
Mrs. Gustafson also was an avid knitter who sewed numerous hats, blankets and scarves -- some of which she donated.
Besides that, she was a "gifted cook" renowned for her cake and vegetable dishes, Anderson said.
Other survivors include a daughter, Gail; three sons, Larry, Gary and David; three grandchildren; two brothers, Melvin Washington and Darren Washington; five sisters, Mary Birdsong, Rose Marie Porter, Florraine Washington, Brenda Washington and Marilyn Woods; and many nieces and nephews.
Services have been held.
Memorials may be made to Silent Assembly of God, 18513 Lahser, Detroit, MI 48219.
Lorraine Gustafson found her niche within the deaf community.
For years the former Detroit resident, who was born deaf, served with many groups catering to those like her -- joyfully donating works, volunteering time and assisting others.
"She was very active," said her sister, Mary Anderson. "It gave her the ability to articulate her gifts. She was able to be herself."
Mrs. Gustafson, 53, died of cancer Monday, July 14, 2008.
Born Oct. 8, 1954, in Detroit, she was the sixth of 12 children raised by Aaron Washington Sr. and Minnie Lee Washington.
A graduate of the Detroit Day School for the Deaf, she attended the Washington Careers Center before working for 31 years at what is now the John Johnson Co. in Detroit, her family said.
In November 1982, she wed Gary Gustafson.
For nearly 30 years, Mrs. Gustafson belonged to the Silent Assembly of God church in Detroit -- her "heart and desire" because of its haven for the hearing-impaired, Anderson said.
Working with various deaf groups, she "did a lot," her sister said -- joining in everything from an annual camp near Gaylord to helping feed the poor.
Mrs. Gustafson also was an avid knitter who sewed numerous hats, blankets and scarves -- some of which she donated.
Besides that, she was a "gifted cook" renowned for her cake and vegetable dishes, Anderson said.
Other survivors include a daughter, Gail; three sons, Larry, Gary and David; three grandchildren; two brothers, Melvin Washington and Darren Washington; five sisters, Mary Birdsong, Rose Marie Porter, Florraine Washington, Brenda Washington and Marilyn Woods; and many nieces and nephews.
Services have been held.
Memorials may be made to Silent Assembly of God, 18513 Lahser, Detroit, MI 48219.