It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpectedly sudden passing of Marsha Burden (nee Shelswell) of Capreol Ontario at Health Sciences North in Sudbury late in the evening of Friday May 3, 2024 at the age of 67 due to dementia complications. Born on September 12, 1956, Marsha has joined her family whom she wanted to see more than anything. We are certain that she is now surrounded by her Mother June (nee Carter), Father Everett Shelswell, Brother’s Roger and Paul, and all the other family and friends who have already left us.
Marsha is survived by her devoted husband, partner, and biggest supporter Dale Burden. Marsha will be missed by her son Paul Burden, daughter Theresa (Terry) Burden, daughter in-law Mary Jo Burden (nee Chua wife of Paul), and honorary daughter Cassandra Shelswell. Marsha is also survived by her two grandchildren Devon Ducharme and Chloe Burden. She will be missed by her siblings Jane and George, her sister in-laws Judy and Angie, and all of her nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Her adopted grand-cat Peanut and her adopted daughter-pup Honey will especially miss her pets and snuggles.
Marsha lived a full life. She loved the outdoors, canoeing, attending music festivals, house concerts, creating art, photography, baking, and supporting her family. She loved spending time with friends and family at the cottage, especially with her good friend Brenda who visited every day when Dale and Marsha were at camp. There are many fond memories of spending time with the McDonalds at the fire and participating in the Olympics in pajama bay.
Later in life, and in most cases after her diagnosis of dementia, Marsha and Dale set out to explore some of their bucket list destinations. They attended Paul and Mary Jo’s wedding in the Philippines, spent a month driving around New Zealand exploring. Dale and Marsha spent eight days rafting down the Grand Canyon. They went to Hawaii, and visited Roger and Angie in Florida. Her final trip was to tick off a huge bucket list item, seeing the “bergy bits” in Newfoundland. Marsha and Dale spent as much time camping in the interior of Ontario as possible sometimes together, with their children or with family and friends John Moore, or Jacques and Louise Martel. We are all glad that Marsha was able to experience these things with her husband, even if she didn’t always remember them, Dale will always hold these memories on her behalf.
Marsha made a huge impact on the art world in Sudbury. Long before she graduated from Cambrian Collage with a diploma in Fine Arts, Marsha was creating. She started with tole painting, sewing, flag making, and leather work. Then she moved on to water colour and mono-prints but later she also tried her hand at oil painting, pencil drawing, sculpture, pottery, quilting, jewelry making, photography, and every other art type known to man. All the cousins have at least one hand made raggedy Anne Doll, Pound Puppy, and/or bunny.
She was the president of the Sudbury Art Club, representative of the Northern Ontario Art Association, an art teacher and mentor at Cambrian Collage, the Art Gallery of Sudbury, and the Alzheimer’s society. Her artwork was featured in countless shows and even won best of show at the Lacloche Country Art Show in 1993. Marsha was also a frequent volunteer with Citizens on Patrol and the Kukagami Cottagers Association. Her last day volunteering for the Capreol Foodbank was on February 22, 2024.
Everyone touched by Marsha’s bright spirit and zest for life will miss her greatly but she will live on through our memories, stories, and her many art pieces. We love you, Marsha.
Memorial Visitation at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch St., Sudbury. (Friends may gather after 12noon Saturday). Memorial Service in the R.J. Barnard Chapel on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 3pm.
For those who wish to view the service online: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxNTAxODQ5NjMwNzkzMCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJnZpZXdfYnV0dG9u
Family and friends are invited to join us for a reception at Delki Dozzi Sport Complex Lower Hall at 3 Mary Street Sudbury from 3:30 to 6 pm.
Refreshments will be served and some of Marsha’s Artwork will be on display. In lieu of flowers donations to the Sudbury Food Bank or the Homelessness Network of Sudbury would be appreciated.
For donations or messages of condolence, www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com