Obituary of PASTOR MARILYN BRITTON

Marilyn Margaret Britton left the loving arms of "my David" and was lifted up by the everlasting arms of her loving Saviour, Jesus, on May 27, 2019, seven days after celebrating their 58th wedding anniversary. She left behind a body plagued by pain and worn out in a brief battle with cancer and a brain muddled by dementia. Marilyn took with her a passion for the Trinity, a deep love for people, and a rich mothering anointing. Marilyn was born in Saint John in June 1941, the eldest daughter of William and Bertha Hall. She spent her early childhood on the Kingston Peninsula and began her education in the one room school at Summerville. Moving to Chamcook N B, she attended Chamcook School and then briefly Vincent Massey High School. At 15 she moved to Saint John to attend Saint John Vocational School to study Home Economics. There she met the love of her life, David Britton, at a church youth group. She married her sweetheart in 1961 at age 19, and immediately moved to Moncton where he was employed by the CNR and where she resided for the rest of her life. A stay at home Mom, she was a skilled seamstress and a great cook, assisting in the family budget by sewing and selling doll clothes, as well as taking in several boarders. She wholeheartedly supported her husband when he was a candidate in three political campaigns. They both were active in church activities, as well as in the Boy Scout movement. Her interest in dolls stimulated her to create some hand puppets, which eventually propelled the family into a thirty year adventure as the Family Britton Puppeteers, performing throughout the Maritimes in malls, churches, community events, company parties, and a 7 year stint performing on Marine Atlantic ferries. Marilyn created over 100 puppets and as well was the artist who create the scenery. She also enjoyed oil painting, leather work, and ceramics. During the 1970’s Marilyn became a part time student at the Atlantic Baptist College, and eventually became the first married woman to attain their 2 year diploma. She went on to study at Mount Allison University and earned her BA degree in 1984. Marilyn had a lifelong interest in assisting the underprivileged and marginalized. Out of this developed a Bible study which eventually in 1996, began meeting on Sundays and together with her David, they planted a church, Water & Wine Assembly of Christians, which they eventually pastored for twenty years. Pastor Marilyn was not only a loving friend, and a wise adviser, but also an eloquent speaker. Her love of liturgical dance and visual expressions of worship with flags and banners established a culture of celebration at WWA. Marilyn’s love of children was wonderfully demonstrated during the Christmas season when, as Mrs. Claus she joined David (Mr. Claus) in visiting schools, which she did for over twenty years, including 2018. Marilyn gave of herself unsparingly and unreservedly and passionately ministered to anyone who were hurting or had a need. She had no conception of laziness and was passionate about studying, especially the Bible. She was known for her avid prayer life. Marilyn was a mentor, a spiritual mother to many, and a dear friend Marilyn’s favourite expression was, "Bless you" which was constantly on her lips as she engaged with people, and those attending her during her final illness were thoroughly blessed. She died as she lived, full of love and grace, very appreciative of the wonderful care that she was receiving in the 5600 unit, and then in the Palliative Care unit, and impacting those around her. Her family are thoroughly pleased with the care that Marilyn received from the staff at the Moncton City Hospital. Marilyn’s close relationship with her husband David drew attention, whether they were ministering together, or walking hand in hand grocery shipping, performing with puppets, or gardening, reading poetry aloud, or eating out. Their mutual adoration was very evident during her struggles with dementia, and more recently, as David was a fixture at her bedside 24/7 . She was predeceased by her parents and an infant great grand-daughter, Sarah Esther Britton. She left a rich spiritual and cultural legacy to her children, Dr. Cheryl Jones (Brian) of Ottawa, Andrew Britton, and Daniel (Susan) Britton of Moncton. This was extended to her grandchildren Natasha (Daniel) Lichti, Shakespeare, Ont., Naomi (Joseph) Mellon, Detroit, Nathanael (Saria) Jones, Abbotsford, BC, Sarah-Jane (Ryan) Bastarache , Joshua Britton, Rebekah Britton, and Caleb Britton, all of Moncton. Her great grandchildren include Isaac, Zackery, Ezekiel, and Ellie Rose Lichti, Nehemiah, Lincoln, Rebekah and Evelyn Bastarache, William, Grace and Henry Britton. She was the matriarch of her family and leaves behind her siblings Elaine (Jim) Brown, Lower Sackville, NS, Elva (Tom) Curtis, Truro, NS, Judy (John) Rae, Sambro Head NS, and Doug (Karen) Hall, Summerville, NB, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Friday, May 31, 2019 from 2 to4 and 6 to 8 at Water & Wine Assembly of Christians’, 95 Massey Ave. Moncton. The funeral service will be held at Gunningsville Baptist Church, 160 Old Coach Road in Riverview on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 11:00am. For those who wish to make a financial donation in Marilyn’s honour, the family recommends The Fellowship of Christians, directed to their support of churches in Cuba. Donations can also be made through Catch the Fire. Ctfmoncton.com/giving Click on: Give Now/, enter donation amount. From the drop down Fund Menu, select Missions. Interment will be in Fairhaven Memorial Gardens Arrangements have been entrusted to Tuttle Brothers & Riverview Funeral Home 214 Pine Glen Rd. Riverview, NB (506) 857-9544 Online condolences can be made at www.tuttlefuneralhome.caVisitation Information Friday, May 31, 2019 2:00 to 4:00pm and 6:00 to 8:00pm WATER & WINE ASSEMBLY, 95 MASSEY AVE. MONCTON, NB Service Information Saturday, June 1, 2019 11:00am GUNNINGSVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH, 160 OLD COACH ROAD, RIVERVIEW, NB Burial Information Saturday, June 1, 2019 Fairhaven Memorial Gardens, Moncton, NB Requested Charity The Fellowship of Christian, directed to support of churches in Cuba