Marion Winnifred Bustin

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.