Amelia Crotty

Amelia (Gust) Crotty

 Amelia Gust Crotty, 100, passed away of natural causes, on Friday November 15, 2024 at the Springs of Missoula.

 She was born on March 11, 1924 in Cordenons, a village in Northern Italy, to Giovanni Guisti and Caterina Turco. As a young girl she immigrated to the United States with her mother and sister, Marie, in August 1930. They arrived at Ellis Island. Their entry was delayed due her mother’s hearing loss. They boarded the train in New York with the destination, “Minneapolis” pinned on their clothing. Amelia met her father for the first time. He left Italy in 1923. His name was John Gust. The family arrived in International Falls, which is across from the Canadian border.

 She entered St. Thomas Elementary School, 3 days later. Her only knowledge of English was “good Morning Sister.” Amelia spent 1 year at Backus Middle School, graduating from The Falls High School in 1942.

On August 27,1946, she married her High School sweetheart James Crotty. The couple moved to Wilmington, California in 1946. She was an active member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. All 10 of her children graduated from Catholic High Schools: Mary Star of the Sea - San Pedro and St. Anthony High School - Long Beach. Amelia and Jim moved to Long Beach in 1972. Eight of her 10 children graduated from College or Universities in the US. 

 As a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, she took loving care of her children and grandchildren, friends, church, colleagues, and caregivers. She loved reading, music, flowers, rain & snow, family, people, Norte Dame football, and telling stories.

 Survivors are too many to name. She has 65 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her only regret was she unable to “squeeze the cheeks” of the last 9 great grands. 

 She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Joseph A Crotty “son,” brother Joseph Gust and his wife Mary Nell Simon, her sister Marie and husband Otto Majewske, and daughter-in-law Pamela Mathers Crotty.

 A service will occur in Fort Snelling, MN this summer 2025. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite organization or charity. Amelia believed, “life is a celebration of the soul,” so don’t wear black.”