Lena M. " Lee" Gustafson, 81, of 302 Kennedy St., Ironwood, died peacefully early Wednesday morning, May 28, 2008, in her home, with her family by her side, following a lengthy illness. The former Lena Chairavalli was born Jan. 20, 1927, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Paul and Mary (Poalone) Chairavalli, attended St. Ambrose Grade School, and graduated from St. Ambrose High School in 1945. She was married to Charles J. Gustafson on Aug. 16, 1948, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood, by the late Msgr. J. B. Moriarty. Lena was employed as a sales clerk and worked in the drapery department at O'Donnell-Seamans in downtown Ironwood for many years, and was also employed as a bookkeeper at the S & L Store in Ironwood for several years. Together with her husband, she managed privately owned recreational properties in the area, retiring in the late 1980's. She was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. Gardening was her passion, and she loved cooking, canning and spending time with her grandchildren. Surviving are her husband of 59 years, Charles; a son, Charles D. (Ellen), Mason, and daughter, Christine L. Kavinsky (Steve Kaderlik), Ironwood; five grandchildren, Kevin, Jennifer and Rosina Gustafson, and Zachary and Jacob Kavinsky; one great-grandchild; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Cerasoli, Ironwood, and Florence Gustafson, Pewaukee, Wis.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Tony Chairavalli, and sisters, Sandy Volley, Frances Chairavalli and Alverena Chairavalli. In accordance with Lena's wishes, cremation has taken place. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Darryl Pepin, celebrant. Rite of Committal will take place in the St. Joseph Family Room at the church, with luncheon to follow in the parish hall. Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood. Relatives and friends may call in the St. Joseph Family Room at the church from 10 a.m. until Mass time on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to Regional Hospice, N-10561 Grandview Lane, Ironwood, Mich. 49938. To view Lena's obituary online, sign the guestbook or express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick and Engstrom Funeral and Cremation Services of Ironwood and Hurley.