Miriam M. Gustafson, 96

November 14, 2024

Miriam M. Gustafson, 96, of Lancaster, PA , entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on November 14, 2024.

Miriam Mae Edwards grew up in Havertown, PA, and earned her education degree from Temple College in Philadelphia. Throughout her career as a kindergarten teacher in Lower Merion, PA, she lovingly prepared thousands of children for their school years. Miriam was a longtime member of Grace Chapel (Havertown) where she also taught children and played the piano and organ as a skilled accompanist. Many people will miss her faithful prayers for their families.

Upon retirement, Miriam married widower Bernard Swieringa and enjoyed–in her words–the best twenty-five years of her life. They moved to Willow Valley Communities in Lancaster, PA, and travelled, served, and enjoyed their extended families. Five years after Bernie died Miriam married Carl Gustafson, whose company she enjoyed for another five years until his death in 2021. Miriam attended Millersville Bible Church and frequently played the piano for her Sunday School class there and for Vespers services at Willow Valley. Everyone knew her to be sweet, selfless, and genuine.

Miriam was preceded in death by her brother, Paul, and her parents, David and Miriam Edwards. She is survived by her sister Elizabeth (& Bill) Snyder (VA), nephew Paul (& Alicia) Snyder (TN) along with their children and grandchildren, and niece Ruth Snyder (PA). The Swieringa family also loved her — stepchildren Sharon (& James) Smucker (NC), Susan Swieringa (deceased), Shirley (& Larry) Sallee (FL), and Jay (& Nancy) Swieringa (NY), along with seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Interment will be private by the family. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 6 at 1:00pm at the Charles Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Valley Pike, Willow Street, PA. The family will receive guests afterward. Gifts in lieu of flowers can be sent to Hospice & Community Care of Lancaster who provided wonderful care in Miriam’s final days, or to a favorite missions organization.