Joan Briggs Gustafson

Joan Briggs Gustafson died peacefully at the age of 88 in her home in Horsham, PA on December 17, 2019.  The eighth of nine children, she was born in Hartford, CT on February 22, 1931, no doubt contributing to her lifelong affinity for George Washington.  Married to Richard Gustafson on September 19, 1953, Joan was one-half of the acclaimed magic act The Gustafsons.  They became internationally-known as a result of their Magic By Candlelight routine, performing on the Ed Sullivan and Mike Douglas shows, as well as many others, and sharing the stage with the likes of Joan Rivers and Johnny Mathis.  She also performed in 40 of the 50 states, Canada, England, Scandinavia, Monte Carlo, and the Dominican Republic.

An expert seamstress, she loved sewing, employing her talents to make all of the costumes for the many iterations of the Amazing World of Magic illusion show.  An avid and gifted hostess as well, she loved cooking and was known to submit original recipes to national competitions.

In addition to her husband of 66 years, she is survived by her three sons and their wives; Richard, Jr. & Ellen, Wayne & Marguerite, and David & Bethany, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one sibling (brother Harry).

A gathering in her honor will be held at a later date.

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