The family of Marion Winnifred Bustin, née Denton are sad to announce her passing, at age 91, at her home on August 23, 2023.
Born in Westport, NS, daughter of Harold and Annie (Peters) Denton, Marion grew up on Brier Island, enjoying the freedom, independence, and beauty of nature the island provided. Resilience remained a lifelong part of her character along with a love and respect for the power of the ocean. She was always proud of being “just a girl from Brier Island”.
After graduation from Digby High School, she attended Nova Scotia Teachers College, taught primary school for several years and said she enjoyed the Grade 4 students the most.
After marrying Reigh in 1953, they lived in Woodstock NB, Amherst, Truro, Grand Falls NL, Liverpool, Fredericton NB, and Halifax, and had three beautiful children, before settling permanently on the south shore. The many lifelong and treasured friendships they made in all those places were central to her life. Marion and Reigh also travelled extensively throughout the world including Britain, Europe, Scandinavia, Hong Kong, and the South Pacific.
Together, Marion and Reigh enjoyed curling, skiing, and tennis, especially the annual Cherry Hill Open, and cross-country bocce that they played with their South Shore neighbors. They were famous for their tennis after-parties and award ceremonies.
Marion was a self-taught painter when young, and when living in Fredericton she took art classes from Molly Bobak and Fred Ross through UNB extensions. She later studied at the NS College of Art and Design. Many of her paintings illustrate her deep connection to the sea and her fascination with its changeability, and celebrate the natural beauty of her beloved Nova Scotia. She had a solo exhibition at Dartmouth Heritage Museum, many solo and group exhibitions throughout NS and NB, and her works are enjoyed in homes across Canada and the US.
A lifelong committed Christian, Marion was an active member of her church community and involved in Bible studies and volunteer work.
Marion is survived by her sister Jeanette; children: Susan (Doug); Peter (Holly); her beloved grandchildren Daniel, Anna (Adam), John, Kate, Matthew (Sarah) and Miles, who as youngsters knew her as Jaja B; and sister-in-law Frances Denton Her five great granddaughters, Olivia, Gwyneth, Nora, Freya, and Wren adored her, and they delighted her in her final years.
Marion was predeceased by husband, Gerald Reigh, her daughter Janice, and siblings Elaine and Victor.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Marion’s memory be made to the charities Big Meadow Bog Trail on Brier Island, or MS Canada. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
Marion’s family wish to thank Dr. Sarah Cosh for her “beyond the call of duty” care, and the Lunenburg and Queens Counties Palliative Team as well as the VON’s for their care and support.
On this beautiful day Marion is walking the streets of heaven with her Saviour Jesus Christ; we will always miss her but rejoice knowing she is eternally blessed.
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Janice Van Wart
I remember Mrs Bustins kind smile and generosity while Susan and I were friends in high school.she was an up to date women who past on her creative style to her children.
I have never forgotten her
Sending my love
Janice Van Wart
Lori George
Our heart felt condolences on the passing of your much loved mom. Our prayers for all the family as you grieve. May your memories of her and the comfort of the Lord give you peace .
De Luca family
Marion will forever be in our hearts both in NS and in New Jersey. Knowing her and laughing with her were pure privilege. We will remember her fondly as we care for the beautiful paintings created by her that hang in our home.
Marphy
My most sincere condolences on the passing of Marion. She lived a long fulfilling life, and enjoyed many adventures with Reigh. She was immensely proud of her children, in all their chosen life paths, and always had stories to share regarding her cherished grand children. I’m so privileged to have one of her paintings which hangs in a position of note in my home.
Again Susan and Peter and family, my sympathies to all.
Brian Oickle
Marion and Reigh were a wonderful, compassionate couple. They brought joy and intelligent intimacy to their friendships, their community and the art world. Marion was proud of her art achievements and freely shared her past history. They will both be missed. Our condolences to the family. Paulette and Brian
Delores & John Whalley
We will miss Marion.
A joyful soul that raised the meaning of love and care.
Always smiling
A loss we will remember
Janet Blackbird
To Susan, Peter and your families. Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your mom, Marion. It has been many many years since Zwicker Ave. but I have often thought of your family, my next door neighbors. My thoughts are now with you at this sad time.
Gail Denton
Ron and Gail Denton,
So very sorry for your families loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave McGrattan
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of an exceptional lady. I will miss her and her many fine attributes, not the least of which was her incredible artistic ability. I have many good memories of Marion but the one I will treasure most is the journey she and I took with Janice, to Poland, in 2010. As Jan said at the time, “We’ll always have Warsaw.”
Phil and GracieWelch
We did not know Marion all that well but what we did know of her we admired and appreciated. She especially came shining through in her Christian walk and witness. May God bring the family closer and comfort during this time. May you all experience the “peace that passes understanding” that Marion knew.
Glenn Roy MacDonald
As a former resident of Broad Cove I have many very fond memories of Marion.She was a great friend to my Wife Marie who passed away unexpectantly 3 and a half years ago.I can only hope that their spirits are laughing together now as they once did.A fantastic person to have the privilage of knowing.
Homer and Maura Keenan
Condolences, Susan and Peter, on the death of your Mother. Our memories go back to Stanley St. Days (Fredericton) a neighbourhood where Mr. Rogers would have been proud to live. How fortunate we were to have the Bustins living next door — complete with babysitters. Such fun and wholesome times and you and your parents were very much a part. Your father introduced us to our first Harvey Wallbangers ( and maybe the last). Lots of stories..
Your Mother was fun, active, talented and noticeably thoughtful. She seemed to have a spiritual essence that defined how she lived. She showed particular attention to our girls and each of them treasures, to this day, a painting done by Marion especially for them. One had the happy experience of attending her kindergarden and the other loved to visit for cookies and then have siesta time with «Happy» ( beagle— Reigh’s nemesis) on their back porch.
We were so glad to have seen you Peter with your Mother in Jan. When attending the funeral of our mutual friend Lois Reed. Can you almost hear the chuckles of the two of them now?!
Sorry we are unable to be with you tomorrow as you celebrate Marion’s life. We will, however, be with you in spirit.