Book of Memories for Marilyn Anne Bustard

Story shared: Marilyn - my sister, my mother and my friend

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 11:44:25 EDT

Marilyn.... She was my older sister and my friend. She was the one I called when there was news or a tragedy to share, especially related to four legged creatures, because she understood and supported yet was still able to be practical. She knew what to do or at least what to try. She most often had a remedy or treatment option and she remembered them even when she hadn't used them for years - how is that even possible? She was my second mother while growing up and stepped into the sole role after our mother passed away. She was a resourceful and a problem solver and appreciated it in others. She used her problem solving skills to escape from the basement of the old Rockwood house. How did she come to be locked in the basement you ask? Marilyn and Mom babysat my youngest daughter, Devon, when I went back to work. It was Easter and Marilyn had collected candy and chocolate for the upcoming family gathering. Devon was not permitted to have any and could only look. Devon was not deterred and when Marilyn, and Mom went to do laundry in the basement, Devon hung back and shut the basement door. There were multiple bolts on the door (no one knows for sure why)and Devon slid one bolt effectively locking her them both in the basement. Marilyn banged on the door and yelled for Devon to open the door, Devon's reply was to slide yet another bolt. Marilyn was forced to find an alternate escape route and decided the old cellar door was the best option. The fact, that it had been closed up for a century or more did not stop her and she was eventually able to pry it open enough to slither through - luckily she was small. She then released Mom from inside the house and found Devon happily munching away on Easter candy - Devon was 2 years old. This story was as much about Devon as Marilyn and I am sharing because she thought Devon was so clever and resourceful and loved to tell the story. She was a do-it-yourselfer. She could gimmy rig just about anything which is a testament to her life .....you can fix anything with twine, duct tape or a shim. Her temporary fixes morphed into the ability to do more complicated home projects, like reupholstering, flooring, tiling, plumbing and fixtures. She always had wicked wallpaper and painting skills and everyone appreciated her decorator touches. I will think of her every time I walked up my stairs and see the wallpaper she helped my hang. I will never be able to change it. She was intelligent, well read and had a superior memory of which I am extremely jealous as mine fades daily. I can't count how many times in the last few days we have said "Marilyn would know". She showed up. She was reasonable and practical. Some would say she was not so reasonable nor practical when faced with illness but I know she would argue that everything she did was well thought out and important to her recovery. She was fearless and brave (sometimes these qualities could be confused with stubborn and obstinate) and tackled projects many would be afraid to try. She dabbled in many things and mastered most by not being afraid to try and fail and try again. She tackled them with determination and commitment. There were many examples but the one that sticks with me most recently is her accomplishments with Ollie in Rally Obedience. This was not something she had any experience in before adopting Ollie and she was able to show him to #1 Sheltie in Canada and #3 in all breeds. Wow! She could do it herself or as my grandson would say "I can do it my byself". My sister, Kathleen, said to her just a short week ago when she offered her a hand up the stairs, "Marilyn, you really need to start accepting help". To which Marilyn just grumbled, "I can do it myself". It bothered her to have to accept help but she was so grateful to those that did help this past year. Those include her family, friends, and neighbours who walked Ollie, drove her to appointments, took her shopping, mowed the lawn or just visited. Dear Marilyn, I heard you say, just the other day, "I'm tough and I never cry....ever" . I am not so tough so I have decided that I will not say goodbye but rather farewell and when we meet again, I will greet you with "Hi Mally, it's me" and I will wait expectantly for your response....... "Hello, Pam Pam".

Condolence From Helen and David Hawley

Sat, 13 Jul 2013 15:31:42 EDT

Our condolences to Marilyn's family.

Photo shared: Bustard_Siblings_July_7_2007.jpg

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 23:19:11 EDT

The Bustard Siblings on July 7, 2007 (Bronwen`s Wedding)

Story shared: Aunt Marilyn - Our unsung hero

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 23:03:58 EDT

As I looked back through my photo albums to find pictures of Marilyn, I had trouble finding many where she was the main subject; however, I noticed that I had lots of pictures of Mally in the background. The more I looked at them, the more I realized it was pretty symbolic of how she was in our lives... at least mine anyway. Looking back now, I can see it clearly. She was our supporting cast, our family cheerleader, our mother hen. The person who always made sure everyone had their name on a stocking at Christmas (and discretely removed names if anyone's relationships went south ...). She was the one who hand painted real eggs (even during her illness) for the little ones to hunt every Easter. Even in her final days, she spent her time and energy on us. Making sure our last Canada Day together was wonderful and even being so thoughtful as to get cool toys for our littlest ones to play with (the kids really did enjoy them Mally!). In a way, for me, she was the "unsung" aunt. Always in the background, always supporting. She would come to every family get-together, albeit usually late (we all know she drove like a snail) and often in the kitchen (perhaps sneaking an éclair or two before dinner) but the point is, she came. And that's what counts. She was always an awesome host. She never complained (or at least not to us :) when time and time again we descended upon her lovely home and turned it into chaos and disarray and often left her a mess. She hosted two beautiful showers for me (wedding and baby). I remember how beautifully and cleverly she decorated the house for my baby shower. (I've uploaded a picture of the little tree inside the door that she was always decorating and that she had done all up for the shower. Man, she was so creative!). Aside from her wonderful artistic and creative abilities, the one thing I really admired about Mally was her green thumb. That might be my one regret - not having somehow gleaned some part of her magical ability with gardens and flowers. I have such fond memories of spending time at The Strange house playing around (and sometimes in) her beautiful gardens and walking down her hand laid pathways. That place was something to behold in the summer when her gardens where in bloom. Marilyn - the quintessential "DIYer" long before DIY was cool. We should have started a blog for her. She would have shown these "new age" DIYers how it's done. I am proud to say I still have my wicked wallpaper skills and can still make a perfect seam just like she taught me :) Marilyn was a great gift giver. As I pack up my house to move right now, I keep coming across all the wonderful gifts she has given to me and my family over the years. Always so much thought put into them. Just this morning I came across some ugly little stools she had given me years ago. I remember her telling me that she" knew they were ugly but they were handy little things to have around" and you know what? She was right. I use those ugly little stools all the time. Thanks Mally. She was the one you called when an a beloved animal passed because you knew that she would "get it" and you wouldn't have to explain the heartbreak. I take a small comfort in her passing knowing that she has with her , each and every one of our furry, fuzzy creatures and four legged beasties that have passed on and I know she will find comfort in them and them in her. I know she will be looking after them for us. Bless you Mally, you will be missed. Probably more than we realize. Thank you for everything you did for us all these years, Your niece, Bronnie

Photo shared: Camera Pics Dec 2011 - Nov 2012 244.jpg

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 22:57:42 EDT

Here's Mally, in the background (also in the kitchen :) at Tighe's 2nd Birthday June 2012

Photo shared: Evolution of the Nursery 078.jpg

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 22:44:42 EDT

One of Marilyn's many beautiful creations. For Bronwen's baby shower May 2, 2010

Photo shared: Marilyn_June14_2013.jpg

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 22:41:53 EDT

Marilyn at home in Elora on June 14, 2013

Photo shared: Aislinn, Marilyn and Bronwen 1984.jpg

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 12:02:35 EDT

Aunt Marilyn was always there for nieces and nephews

Photo shared: Mally's garden walkway at Strange House.jpg

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 11:48:27 EDT

Marilyn was known as an avid gardener

Photo shared: Do it Yourself walkway at Strange House.jpg

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 11:47:29 EDT

A real "do-it-yourself" woman. She completed many difficult and physically challenging projects

Photo shared: Marilyn and Sam 2.jpg

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 11:44:27 EDT

Marilyn and Sam 1964 - 1974

Photo shared: Japan.jpg

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 11:41:30 EDT

In Japan 1956

Photo shared: Marilyn_NEW.jpg

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 11:40:36 EDT

Marilyn baby photo

Photo shared: Marilyn Mom and Alex.jpg

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 11:39:14 EDT

Marilyn,Mom and Alex

Photo shared: Aisilnn Wedding 2011.jpg

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 11:37:31 EDT

Marilyn and family at Aislinn's wedding 2011

Photo shared: Oliver.jpg

Thu, 11 Jul 2013 16:12:21 EDT

Oliver

Photo shared: Marilyn_Bustard.jpg

Thu, 11 Jul 2013 10:08:14 EDT

Photo shared: Bustard,marilyn.jpg

Thu, 11 Jul 2013 09:20:18 EDT

Photo shared: oliver_marilyn.jpg

Wed, 10 Jul 2013 18:17:55 EDT

What a great team...