Renée “Mimi” Elizabeth George-Busdicker, née Barzin, died Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the age of 91. Renée was born in Spa, Belgium, on June 26, 1927. From the death and destruction of World War II, Renée found love when she met Lieutenant Russell “Russ” George Busdicker of the 82nd Airborne at the conclusion of the Battle of the Bulge. Given a three day pass after helping to repulse the Nazi push into Belgium, Russ visited the Belgian resort town of Spa on the edge of the Ardennes Forest. Russell was from Minnesota and enjoyed winter sports. While skiing near Spa he had the fortune of meeting a beautiful Belgian woman, Renée. Renée’s life had already suffered the tragic events of her mother’s death and her father’s incarceration by the Nazis. Russ was very enamored with this beautiful Belgian, but his courtship was limited to a sofa in the parlor under the watchful eye of Renée’s grandmother who did not initially approve of her granddaughter dating American servicemen. Russ, an opera singer prior to the war, managed to eventually warm grandmother’s heart by singing to her and bringing her coffee and coal, both in short supply in war-torn Belgium. Love endured and Russ and Renée knew they would somehow be together. The war carried on, however, and they were forced apart, relying on what limited communication the war allowed. Returning back to the States after the war, Russ realized his future was not just about pursuing a singing career, but doing it with his love, Renée. Fortunately for Russ, Renée felt the same way so they began a campaign to bring Renée to the United States. The happy result is that after 18 months of embassy visits and planning, Renée was allowed to come to New York. Russ and Renée were married at a small Methodist church in Suffern, New York, by the Rev. D. Webb on Valentine’s Day, 1947. Renée and Russ enjoyed eight years in New York with Russ pursuing his singing career while Mimi enjoyed a career as a buyer for the flagship store of Saks Fifth Avenue. A highlight of her time at Saks was helping the Queen Mother shop for gifts for her children, an event chronicled in Life Magazine. They then moved to Columbia with Russ’ job as General Manager of Speidel Broadcasting and Renée’s new role as mother and professional volunteer. She was active in the Republican Party of South Carolina, President of the Rose Garden Club, and a poll worker during 50 years of elections, among many other activities. Renée had a lifelong love of travel including many trips back to Europe, as well as an adventurous trip up and down the Mississippi River from Memphis to Russ’ hometown of Winona, Minnesota, in the family’s cabin cruiser, the “Grevik.” Tragically, Renée became a young widow in 1968 and began a career in real estate and property management. She filled her empty nest years as a travel agent, seeing the world. Her final career change came as a grandmother, a vocation which she adored. She lived out many of her remaining years grounded in Columbia where she cultivated her garden and enjoyed her growing family. Mimi’s Beach House was a favorite annual destination for 23 years and where she brought together her children and grandchildren to whom she imparted her joy of life.
Mimi is survived by her children, Greg Busdicker (Cathy) and Viki Nelson (Rex), and her six grandchildren, all members of the famous NB 3000 Tactical Squad: Patrick Nelson, Tyler Busdicker (Michelle), Libby Busdicker, Andrew Nelson, William Nelson and Michael Nelson.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday April 20, 2019 at 11 am at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will have a reception at Halls Chophouse Wine Room, 1221 Main St, downtown Columbia, for food, drink, and a celebration of memories. In lieu of flowers (but because she loved flowers!) the family requests that donations be made to the St. Michaels and All Angels Garden Wall.
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