Marguerite Florence Bussard

A lifelong resident of Longbranch, Marguerite Bussard died peacefully in Auburn Feb. 7. She was 97 years old.

Marguerite was born in the family home in Longbranch to parents Henry and Ida Curl. She had one brother, Lawrence “Bud” Curl, who preceded her in death. In her youth, she worked in the family business: a car dealership, repair shop, and gas station. That is, until she met Ramon “Pete” Bussard, fell in love, and she proposed. Pete and Marguerite were the first couple to be married in the new Longbranch Community Church Sept. 4, 1948.  They continued to make their home in Longbranch.

Devoted to providing loving care for her family, friends, and church, Marguerite was always willing to help. She was an active and cornerstone member of her community; she was on the board of directors of her church, where she served as its Sunday morning greeter, sang in its choir, taught Sunday school, and hosted weddings, funerals, and special church events. She was active in the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. She helped establish Key Peninsula Ashes, which raised money for the Key Peninsula Fire Department. She was a member of the Bayshore Garden Club, the Longbranch Improvement Club, and the Key Singers. Marguerite belonged to the Peninsula Ants Cootiettes No. 609 and the Key Peninsula Historical Society. She was the Key Peninsula’s Citizen of the Year in 1998, awarded for her efforts and enduring contributions to the community.

Marguerite loved her yard and especially her flower gardens. She had so many different pots, beds of flowers, and flowering trees scattered throughout her yard. Her love and care showed through how they were meticulously kept. While she enjoyed her time outside and kept her gardens, she was always accompanied by her closest companion, her dog, Missy.

Marguerite is survived by her daughter, Dinah Herring, and grandson Zachary Herring.

A graveside service was held in February at the Longbranch Cemetery, led by Pastor John Day of the Longbranch Community Church.