Frances Lewis Van Bussum, age 93, retired editor and volunteer organization leader, died Sunday January 8, 2017 at her home. Mrs. Van Bussum served for 27 years with the University of Florida Information and Publications Division. She edited the Florida Alumnus Magazine for five years winning awards for typography and content. Active in many community service organizations, she was past president of the Gainesville Junior League, Gainesville Panhellenic Association, the Reciprocity Council of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Club, Original Gardenia Garden Club and held offices in Altrusa International, Chapter CQ P.E.O., University United Methodist Women, University Women’s Club and the University of Florida Alachua County Alumni Club. She acted as secretary for two local Methodist churches. A graduate of P.K. Yonge Laboratory School and Florida State College for Women, she also attended the University of Florida. A resident of Gainesville since 1924, she was born in Tallahassee, moving to Gainesville at age one. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle G. “Squeaky” Van Bussum, with whom she co-owned Melrose Bay Ornamental Nursery in Melrose. She has no immediate family survivors but considers Hugh M. Gramling of Plant City to be her son. Services will be held privately, in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: Gainesville International Altrusa Club Foundation P O Box 14757 Gainesville, FL 32604-4757.
