Marillyn Josephine was born to William L.“Jack” Burdsal and Josephine Urban Burdsal on July 11, 1929, in Waco. She attended Sacred Heart Academy in Waco and graduated in 1946 as Salutatorian.

On May13, 1946 she met her future husband, DJ “John” Nystrom during a blind date. He was a soldier at camp (Fort) Hood. It was love at first sight for both of them. They were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of the Assumption in Waco, TX on August 27, 1947.

They were blessed with 8 children (5 boys & 3 girls). During the early years of their marriage Marillyn was a stay at home mom. She was very involved in all of her children’s school activities. She served as an officer and / or President of most clubs including PTO, band and many others.

In 1964 she joined her husband in founding Nystrom & Associates Office Supplies and Printing. From that time until their retirement in 1983 they worked side by side in the business. Their second career was raising miniature horses. They were well known on the show circuit and brought home dozens of championship and grand championship ribbons, as well as, a reserve national championship ribbon and trophy. She was also production editor of Miniature Horse World Magazine for 18 years.

She had too many hobbies to list, among them being traveling, cruising, crocheting, gardening, reading and bird watching. But, her favorite times were spent with her 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grand-children.

Marillyn’s parents resided with them all of their married life. Her mother became a resident of St. Elizabeth retirement center in 1989 and passed away in 1995. Her father continued to live with them until his death in 1993.

She was pre-deceased by her middle daughter Teresa Nystrom Shelton on July 14, 1994 and her beloved husband John on February 15, 2010.

She is survived by her children, David & wife Nancy Nystrom of Denison, Paul and wife Dr. Judy Embry of Belton, Anne and husband David Borsellino of Waco, Mark and wife Kris of Colorado Springs, Greg and wife Johanna of Dallas, Kathryn and her fiancé Roger Brann of Fort Collins, Patrick and Stephanie Nystrom of Portland, Oregon.

Her brother William Lannie “Bill” Burdsal and brother in law Michael Wirick of Palm Springs, CA.

She is also survived by her 21 grandchildren,

John David Nystrom and wife Payton of Greenville, Valerie Nystrom of Florida, Tyler Nystrom of Waco, Josh Borsellino and wife Lindsey of Ft. Worth, Seth Borsellino and wife Alesha of Waco, Aaron Borsellino and wife Stacie of Waco, Brian Nystrom and wife Tandra of Crawford, Adam Nystrom and wife Casey of Waco, Clayton Nystrom and wife Stephanie of Waco, Ryan Nystrom and wife Erin of Frisco, Whitney Nystrom of Chicago, Brandon Shelton of Buda, Brianna Hunstiger and husband Kyle of Philadelphia, Taylor and husband Tylar Fry of Fort Collins, Hillary and husband Chris Salvaggione of Fort Collins, Ashton and husband Grant Schmeeckle of Fort Collins, Tristan and Kieran Grant of Fort Collins, Parker Nystrom of Seattle, Marshall Nystrom and wife Jessie of Portland and Zoe Nystrom of Portland.

She is also survived by 23 great grandchildren,

Rowan Nystrom, Charlie Borsellino, John David Borsellino, Eli Borsellino, Caroline Marie Borsellino, Tynlea Nystrom, Bennett Nystrom, Addison Nystrom, Harper Nystrom, Leighton Nystrom, Graham Nystrom, Lucy Nystrom, Brooklyn Hunstiger, Emerson Fry, Georgia Rose Fry, Able Salaggione, Lucy Salvaggione, Isla Salvaggione, Arrow Schmeeckle, Mila Schmeeckle, and 3 step great grandchildren, Landon Shelton, Isabelle Szabo, and Wyatt Szabo.

The family would like to express special thanks to the nurses at providence Hospice for their tender and gentle car of their mother during her last days.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Reicher Catholic High School, Meals on Wheels or a charity of your choice.

Visitation to be held on Tuesday, December 12th from 5pm-7pm at OakCrest funeral home.

Funeral mass to be held on Wednesday, December 13th at St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption (14th and Washington) at 10am.