Cindy Chyerlee Busson

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Cindy Chyerlee Busson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. After a courageous and enduring battle with cancer, Cindy passed away on August 6, 2026.

No obituary could fully capture the woman she was, but perhaps these words can offer a glimpse of what she meant to us all.

 In the weeks before she passed, my mother and I talked about how she wanted to be remembered, and together we reflected on the life she had lived and the things that mattered most to her. What follows is my love note to my mother, the woman who taught me that if you look closely, you will see the beauty in every moment. From the softness of a summer’s petal to the unrelenting waves of grief, she knew exactly where to look to find the light. Cindy was the type of person who could make magical moments out of the mundane, joyfully moving through life with an appreciation for simple beauty. It is with this in mind that I hope to capture an ounce of her spirit and the meaning she gave to my life.

My mother’s story began in Hoyt, NB, where her parents, Irene and Lorne Gillette, welcomed her into their family in 1956. She spent her days walking the railroad tracks and swimming in the creek with her many sisters and brothers. Her early life cemented a deep trust in her relationship with God, which remained a steady foundation throughout her years. This faith eventually led her to find a place of community and belonging at North Side Assembly. When talking about her church, she would begin by admiring all the work they had done for the community and finish with how thankful she was for their prayers. She believed unequivocally that her faith was the greatest determinant of her strength and grounded her throughout this journey with cancer.

Cindy would build a life in Saint John, NB, working at T.S. Simms for 40 years until their closure in 2014. She found community within the walls of the window-filled building, which led to her meeting the love of her life, Emsley. Their marriage stood the test of time, having celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in July. They built a life together in a quiet ocean subdivision in Redhead. Their respect and quiet devotion to each other was immensely strong, growing deeper over the years and reflected in the quiet ways they cared for one another.

Cindy believed her true calling was to be a mother, often caring for any little ones around her with an instinct. In 1989, my mom welcomed me into her world. My mom spent endless hours singing and reading to me, giving me the gifts of music and words, and my earliest memories of her contain both. There are few children who can say they grew up in an idyllic household where the smell of fresh cookies wafted through the open windows and music streamed softly through every room, but I was immensely lucky to grow up surrounded by those gifts. Her unwavering love gave me a place to call home and a steady foundation that allowed me to be who I am today.

In 2005, Cindy poured her warmth and devotion into the role of grandmother with the birth of her granddaughter Kassidy. Kassidy was, first and foremost, a “Nanny’s girl,” and they had an immensely special bond. They built a world of inside jokes and shared laughter, often bringing each other to tears of delight. Cindy’s silliness and ability to find humour in everyday moments became a lasting example of how to look for joy in this life. That joy, and the laughter they shared, will be deeply missed in the years to come.

As an active gardener, Cindy spent countless hours among her flowers and vegetables, finding purpose in the rhythm of the seasons, spring planting, summer growth, and autumn harvests. Dedicated to giving Cindy a peaceful sanctuary, Emsley worked tirelessly to create the space of her dreams. They spent many sunny afternoons in quiet conversation tending to the little piece of paradise they created together. Fresh beans from the garden, potatoes lifted from the soil, and the fragrance of blooming flowers were among Cindy’s simple pleasures. She would invite many into her backyard oasis to watch the hummingbirds flutter and listen to the birdsong. She understood that nature brings peace to the soul and wanted to share that gift with everyone who visited.

As many came to recognize in the past few months, Cindy’s strength was one of her most defining qualities. Wondering where she cultivated that strength, in the weeks leading to her passing I asked her how to approach life. She simply told me, “with joy and with ease.” My mother’s ability to bravely enjoy the fullness of life was a testament to her character. At the end of her life, she chose to focus on what remained beautiful, what could still be laughed about, and what could still be loved.

Cindy is lovingly remembered by her husband of 45 years, Emsley Busson; her daughter, Sarah Busson; her granddaughter, Kassidy Robicheau-Busson; her siblings, Myrtle Byers, Lorna Foster, Terry Gillette, and Steven Wright; her sister-in-law, Maryann McKinnon Gillette; her dear friend, Dianne Trenholm; incredibly special loved ones, Ramona and Cory Gillette; and her cherished fur baby, Luna Busson. She is predeceased by her parents, Irene and Lorne Gillette; her sister, Beryl Duplessis; and her brothers, Teddy Gillette, Bobby Gillette, and Charles Gillette.

Our family would like to thank the team at Extra Mural for helping her feel comforted and cared for in her final days, especially Savannah, who Cindy claimed as her friend in the last months of her life. We would also like to express our deepest appreciation to the team at Bobby’s Hospice for the incredibly special care and attention they gave Cindy in her final days. The immensity of their empathy, intention, and kindness will never be forgotten as we move forward, carrying Cindy’s memory with us. In Cindy’s honour, those who wish to do so may consider making a donation to Bobby’s Hospice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home 230 Westmorland Road, 506-646-2424. A celebration of Cindy’s life will be held at North Side Assembly on August 14 at 2 pm. Friends and family are invited to attend, with a small reception to follow. Before she passed Mom expressed her wish that everyone dress as they feel comfortable for her celebration, and to feel free to wear as many colours as they like.

Cindy will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, one that met life with gentleness and fortitude. Her love will continue to live on in all of us.