Geraldine L. Gustafson

Geraldine L. Gustafson (nee Nosalik) 1941-2025 – Gerrie died on the evening of May 20, 2025 in her home in Rockford, Illinois surrounded by her daughters after a two plus year battle with stomach cancer. Mother, Friend, Journalist, Marketing & Communications Director, Community Volunteer, and Runner – Gerrie loved Rockford and quickly became an integral part of the the community, touching the lives of many through her work in health care, her volunteerism, and her passion for the arts, music, and fitness activities.

A native Chicagoan, born to Emily (nee Nowak) and Leo Nosalik, Gerrie moved to Rockford to work as a reporter for the Rockford papers after graduating from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She would later go on to receive her Masters of Arts in Journalism with a focus on public relations, from Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, Illinois.

Gerrie left reporting in 1973 to pursue a career in communications and marketing in the health care industry in the Rockford area, serving first as the Community Relations Coordinator for SwedishAmerican Hospital until leaving in 1976 to assume the role of Director of Communications and Marketing for OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center – a position she held for 33 years until her retirement in 2009.

Recognized by her peers in the industry for her outstanding skill and dedication, she received numerous awards for her work in healthcare communications and marketing from the Illinois Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations and the Northern Illinois Advertising Council. She was awarded the YWCA Alta Hulett Award for the Professions presented at the first Leader Luncheon held in 1981 and was recognized by the Northern Illinois Advertising Council as Ad Person of the Year in 1990.

Gerrie had a love for the arts and a commitment to community service which kept her busy in her retirement. She served on various boards and contributed to various local organizations and events including Junior League of Rockford, Rockford Arts Council, YWCA Leader Luncheon, New American Theater, Greenwich Village Art Fair, the Rockford Art Museum, the Laurent House, J.R. Sullivan’s Hometown Holiday (seasonal variety show), Save Sinnissippi, and the Mayor’s Hunger Luncheon committee.

Inspired by her study of the accordion for 10 years, from the ages of 6 to 16, Gerrie loved music and channeled that interest into service – serving on the board of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and volunteering for the Music Academy of Rockford.

In addition to her interests and community service in the arts and music, Gerrie enjoyed fitness activities and travel. Inspired by her daughter Carolyn Smith’s running accomplishments, Gerrie took up running later in life and was an active member of the Rockford Road Runners. Gerrie completed 5 marathons, including marathons in Chicago, London and New York. She was the race director for the 10Km Heritage Run for decades. Gerrie received the Janet Lynn Award for Sports at the 2008 YWCA Leader Luncheon. Gerrie kept up her fitness activities until her illness and loved her morning workout class at the YMCA and walks with friends. She also loved to travel, visiting many countries and was a member of the Rockford Ski Club for the travel – as she was not a skier!

Gerrie is predeceased by her parents and the father of her two children, Laurence P. Smith (Rockford), founder of Village Green. Survivors include her loving and devoted daughters Carolyn (Ray Carlson) Smith, MD, Fox Point, WI and Cynthia Smith, JD, Middleton, WI; cousins Patricia Earnest, Patricia (Dave) Keim, Mary Jean Nosalik, Donna Ernst, Jane Currier, Steve (Sharon) Nosalik, Mike Nosalik; honorary grandchildren Ruby and Peter Garey; and loving POD of friends, including beloved neighbor and dearest friend Liz Dickenson. The family would also like to recognize the loving support provided by Gerrie’s caregivers during her illness, including Rebecca Martins, Uma Sereesen, Simona Ivan, Lorraine Dye, and OSF Palliative Care and Hospice.

To honor Gerrie’s love for Rockford’s art and music scene, donations can be made in her memory to the Rockford Music Academy, Rockford Art Museum, or Rockford Area Arts Council.

Visitation will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Memorial Mass, 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N Church St, Rockford, IL 61103. A celebration of life will follow at the University Club, 945 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com