Marion Helbing Gustin

Marion Helbing Gustin, 83, passed away on June 9, 2022, with her children by her side. Marion was born on February 6, 1939, in Beaumont, TX to Carl John Helbing and Lucile Clarice McElwee. She grew up in Tampa, graduated from H.B. Plant High School and went on to attend Florida State University where she was a member of the Tri-Delta Sorority. She made lifelong friends during her school years in Tampa and cherished her time as a Tri-Delta.

She married Jean Karl Gustin on December 27, 1962. They raised a son, Jean, and daughter, Anne. The family mourned the passing of Jean at age 55 on May 3, 1990. Marion remained faithful to the love of her life and never remarried.

Marion was strongly committed to her community and her family. She served with her children’s schools, the Junior League of Tampa, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Diabetes Association, St. John’s Episcopal Church, LifePath Hospice and Life’s Treasures Thrift Store. She worked as a tax preparer with H&R Block for 30 years. She enjoyed getting to know her clients, many of whom returned year after year. This position was more than a job to Marion. She loved the friendships she made and sharing her knowledge to help others.

Jean and Anne remember their mother as independent, resourceful, and adventurous. She was a wonderful cook, an expert seamstress, and loved to travel. She survived breast cancer and had just recovered from back surgery when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She suffered a stroke in 2015. Throughout it all she showed perseverance and bravery beyond measure.

Marion was predeceased by her parents, Carl and Lucile, husband, Jean, Sr., sister, Patricia Allison, and loyal cat, George. She will be deeply missed by her surviving family, her children, Jean, Jr. (Janet), Anne (Marshall) Ferrell, beloved grandsons, Marshall and Addison, and many cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. in the St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 509 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, Florida. A reception will follow in the church’s Parish Hall.

Heartfelt thanks to the kind and caring staff at Aventura at the Bay (St. Anne Wing), the Aqua Team of Suncoast Hospice, and Rev. John Reese of St. Andrews Episcopal Church.

In remembrance of Marion’s life, donations may be made to: LifePath Hospice, where she spent hours volunteering; Suncoast Hospice, who provided comfort and support in her final days; and St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Marion’s last church home.