It sure seems to me that someone who knows enough about these machines to have a source and be able to apply new decals would surely have been more conscientious than to return it to you in unusable condition. I'm concerned, having lived in Houston for many years, that the machine may have been exposed to too much humidity or worse. Was it in the paint shop during Harvey?! In any case, the rust and/or paint can be removed and she should sew again.