The beautiful Elsie Dustin passed on November 11, 2015, in Derry, NH surrounded by her very loving family. Elsie entered the world on August 29, 1935 in Huntington Beach, NY. As a teenager she met a very cute boy, Alan Dustin, who would become her cherished husband. Four charming and perfectly well behaved children were bestowed upon Elsie and Alan, leading to excellent memories of camping trips and magical Christmas Eves spent driving around in awe of the lights and decorations. Growing up, our friends loved to visit our house because we had "such a cool and wicked sweet Mom" whose homemade chocolate chip cookies were legendary. Her eye for color and design led her to create gorgeous gardens and homes, filling our lives with not only beauty but with solace and warmth. Elsie loved coffee, donuts, candles, animals, gingersnaps, yard sales, floating in the swimming pool, sitting on the swing at the outdoor fireplace with her dear husband. She exhibited a quiet elegance, a deep concern for others and a very intuitive spirit. She comforted us when she discovered that her time was very limited, telling us "No tears, please be good to each other, take care of each other, and please be happy." She told us that she wasn't afraid of dying, that this was an adventure, and the German wild woman in her showed us just what true courage is.
She is survived by her devoted husband Alan G. Dustin of Derry, her daughters Diane Dustin Itasaka of Bradford, MA, Carol Dustin Nadeau of York, ME, Sandy Dustin of Manchester, NH, her son Alan K. Dustin of Derry NH in addition to 4 sweet grandchildren.
If you wish to honor her memory, in lieu of flowers she would have loved donations to the Manchester Animal Shelter, 490 Dunbarton Road, Manchester NH 03102. She would also want you to help somebody in need...a lonely neighbor, a grieving widow, someone who may feel alone in this world. This, we know, would make her smile. Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements.