Tuesday, June 2, 2020
I have known Marianne for over 50 years. I first met her sister Judi In grade 9 at the beginning of high school and we became fast, and best friends. Judi was either over at my house or I was at hers. I loved being at her house mostly because I had 2 younger brothers, but Judi had no younger siblings so her Mom was always catering to us. It was so nice to not have younger brothers around. Judi did have an older brother, Jim at home, but she also had an older brother, Doug and an older sister, Marianne who were both married. This dynamic fascinated me. Judi talked about her sister Marianne all the time, she was definitely was a big influence in her life. Marianne’s spirit was always present in her house. I remember her Mom always talking about Marianne with pride and with a big smile on her face. There was always a feeling of anticipation for when she would be visiting. It did not take very long before I met Marianne and her husband Don, newlyweds really. They were a young handsome couple, deeply in love. Marianne was as pretty as Judi and her Mom said she was. She always had a smile on her face and she showed an interest in me, even though I was only her sisters friend. Over the years we crossed paths mostly at weddings and funerals. Of coarse Judi would keep me updated on what was going on with Marianne and Don with children and then grandchildren.....they were having an exciting and normal life!
About 12 or so years ago(maybe 15?) Judi had arranged for a group trip down to Toronto to Roy Thomson Hall right before Christmas to see a performance of Handel’s Messiah. Marianne and Don, Judi, Stan and their family and Mike and I along with our 2 youngest boys all went to this performance with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. It was the perfect pre Christmas Holiday event. Marianne told me that their Presbyterian Church would do a production of Handel’s Messiah every 2 years, so she was so happy to be coming all the way into the city to be a part of this event! When the performance was over, we all went to a local downtown restaurant for dinner. Marianne sat beside me and we had wonderful dinner conversations. She was still very witty and had a great sense of humour. It was great catching up with her.
Marianne was such a lady. She was a wonderful Wife, Mother and Grandmother, and for my friend Judi, a really great sister. I know she is already missed so much. Take comfort that the many, many people that Marianne touched over the years, including me, have benefited from having a connection with her!
Don please know that everyone who knew Marianne is celebrating her life every day.
Donna McCallum Bushell
