Obituary for Beatrice Elizabeth Hawkinson (Gustafson)
Hawkinson, Beatrice
With a smile that instantly could warm a room, Bea was a proud Swede whose kindness and outgoing personality made her the life of any gathering. She passed away Dec. 21, 2020 at age 99 after suffering from dementia.
Beatrice Elizabeth Hawkinson was one of six children born to Ole and Anna Gustafson, Swedish immigrants who settled in Minneapolis. After high school, Bea worked in a store when her twin sister, Bernice, set her up on a blind date with a dashing salesman named Philip Hawkinson. They married, raising three children before his death of cancer at 57. Bea didn't learn to drive until 40, but made up for lost time, maintaining an active social life while working at a kids clothing store (keeping her grandchildren well-dressed), and volunteering at Fraser School for the handicapped.
A lifelong member of Richfield Lutheran Church, she was devoted to her faith, serving on the church council and teaching Sunday school. There she met second husband Raymond Westermo, who enriched her later years. The church was the scene of an unforgettable 90th birthday party, where Bea danced the polka in spike heels with her twin. Bea loved the outdoors, enjoying her cabin and pontoon rides on Lake Sylvia. Above all, she delighted in her grandchildren, playing the role of family matriarch at elaborate Christmas Eve dinners that showcased her cooking skills and cherished Swedish recipes. Her loved ones are grateful for the compassionate care she received at Mount Olivet Home and Grace Hospice.
Bea was preceded in death by siblings Arnold, Thelma, Bernice, Robert and Marie; husbands Phil and Ray; son Gary; son-in-law Tom Slinde. Survived by daughters Linda Campbell (Jack) and Susan Slinde; daughter-in-law Nancy Hawkinson; stepchildren Mary Westermo Farrar and Bruce Westermo; grandchildren Mary and John Campbell, Heide Baker and Philip and Michael Hawkinson; 8 great-grandchildren.
Private family service. Live streaming available, 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 9th at https://www.facebook.com/GillBrothersFH/ Interment Pleasant View Memorial Gardens, Burnsville. Memorials preferred to Richfield Lutheran Church, 8 W. 60th St., Mpls. 55419.www.GILLBROTHERS.comMinneapolis, MN 612-861-6088
With a smile that instantly could warm a room, Bea was a proud Swede whose kindness and outgoing personality made her the life of any gathering. She passed away Dec. 21, 2020 at age 99 after suffering from dementia.
Beatrice Elizabeth Hawkinson was one of six children born to Ole and Anna Gustafson, Swedish immigrants who settled in Minneapolis. After high school, Bea worked in a store when her twin sister, Bernice, set her up on a blind date with a dashing salesman named Philip Hawkinson. They married, raising three children before his death of cancer at 57. Bea didn't learn to drive until 40, but made up for lost time, maintaining an active social life while working at a kids clothing store (keeping her grandchildren well-dressed), and volunteering at Fraser School for the handicapped.
A lifelong member of Richfield Lutheran Church, she was devoted to her faith, serving on the church council and teaching Sunday school. There she met second husband Raymond Westermo, who enriched her later years. The church was the scene of an unforgettable 90th birthday party, where Bea danced the polka in spike heels with her twin. Bea loved the outdoors, enjoying her cabin and pontoon rides on Lake Sylvia. Above all, she delighted in her grandchildren, playing the role of family matriarch at elaborate Christmas Eve dinners that showcased her cooking skills and cherished Swedish recipes. Her loved ones are grateful for the compassionate care she received at Mount Olivet Home and Grace Hospice.
Bea was preceded in death by siblings Arnold, Thelma, Bernice, Robert and Marie; husbands Phil and Ray; son Gary; son-in-law Tom Slinde. Survived by daughters Linda Campbell (Jack) and Susan Slinde; daughter-in-law Nancy Hawkinson; stepchildren Mary Westermo Farrar and Bruce Westermo; grandchildren Mary and John Campbell, Heide Baker and Philip and Michael Hawkinson; 8 great-grandchildren.
Private family service. Live streaming available, 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 9th at https://www.facebook.com/GillBrothersFH/ Interment Pleasant View Memorial Gardens, Burnsville. Memorials preferred to Richfield Lutheran Church, 8 W. 60th St., Mpls. 55419.www.GILLBROTHERS.comMinneapolis, MN 612-861-6088