Mari Gustafson Sico

Mari Gustafson Sico was born in Odebolt, Iowa, September 5, 1941, the daughter of Russell and Ellen Nelson Gustafson. She was raised on the farm in Wheeler Township, four miles north of Kiron, Iowa, with her younger brother, James. She received her education in the Odebolt-Arthur Schools from which she graduated with the class of 1959. She then furthered her education at Upper Iowa University in Fayette where she received her B.A. degree. Following college Mari moved to Elgin, Illinois, where she was an elementary and special education teacher in the Dundee and Burlington School Districts until her retirement in 2003. She loved her teaching career evidenced by being awarded the “Teacher of the Year” award and was always available to help with any school project that needed assistance. Mari was baptized as a teenager and became a member of the First Baptist Church in Geneva, IL while living in IL. She joined various ladies' Bible studies during her retirement. Mari aka "Co", "Mama Sico" and "Mrs. Sico" was loved by everyone that met her. In her retirement years Mari enjoyed volunteering at the school and at the Community College of the Performing Arts Center in Elgin. Retirement also allowed her more time to enjoy her membership in the Red Hat Society and her hobbies of reading, attending Broadway Shows and shopping. Her love of chocolate and Elvis will always be remembered. She was happiest when spending time with her family and many friends. And as she would say so often...Uffda! In January of 2011, Mari moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, to be nearer her daughter Amy. Mari resided at the Scottsdale Casa de Paradise Assisted Living Center. It was there where she passed away on November 8, 2012 with Amy by her side. At the time of her death she had been blessed with 71 years, 2 months and 3 days. Mari was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Ellen Gustafson, and one brother, James Gustafson. Those remaining to cherish her memory include one daughter, Amy Sico of Scottsdale, Arizona, one granddaughter, Alexcis Sico of Scottsdale, Arizona, sister-in-law, Mary Gustafson of Arthur, Iowa, two nieces, Rachel and husband, Darren Masters of Kiron, Iowa, and Ruth and husband, Dr. Ralph Bethea III of Republic, Missouri, one nephew, Dan Gustafson, other relatives and friends. As a memorial, a scholarship in Mari’s name has been established and checks may be made out to the Mrs. Sico Teacher Scholarship Fund and mailed in care of Mrs. Marge Smith, 601 Clover Circle, Hampshire, IL 60140