Mary Buda

Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Mary Buda was a fun-loving and gracious woman with a spirit of adventure that took her all around the world. She accomplished so much of which to be proud, yet she was a humble and generous person who did whatever she could to help those who were within her reach. Positive, uplifting, and inspiring, Mary was constantly encouraging her students to do their best while equipping them with the tools they needed to accomplish their goals. She will be deeply missed while the family and friends she leaves behind forever hold her memory near and dear to their hearts.

During the first half of the 1940s the eyes of our nation were focused overseas while WWII continued to spread throughout more and more of Europe. Countless young men and women were serving overseas while rationing on common goods became the norm back home. There was celebration in the streets with the end of the war in 1945, and by 1946 America was making the transition to being a nation at peace once again. This same year was met with great anticipation for a young couple from Detroit as they were awaiting the birth of their new baby as winter began to make an appearance in Michigan. The big day finally arrived on December 2, 1946, when Ted and Evelyn Buda welcomed their baby girl into their hearts and home. They named her Mary, and she was joined in her family by her brothers, Tom and Brian.

Raised in both Detroit and Livonia, Mary was a young girl who was a reflection of her generation. Her father worked as a milkman and caterer to support their family while her mother was both a homemaker and caterer as well. Mary was very close to her grandparents and loved visiting them at their cottage on Lake St. Clair. The pink and white Schwinn that was a gift from her grandparents was one of her favorite things as a girl. Mary developed a love for reading, particularly for mysteries, and she could often be found with her nose buried between the pages of a book. She was an accomplished organist and pianist, and she was also an amazing seamstress who made curtains for her own apartment and for her friends’ homes as well.

After graduating from local schools, Mary went on to complete her master’s of mathematics. Poised for a rewarding career, she began teaching. Mary was a fantastic teacher who inspired the students who walked through her door. Her hard work didn’t go unnoticed either as she was named teacher of the year on one occasion. In addition, Mary was the math department chair, the MSC coordinator, and an LEA Union representative who attended numerous conferences over the years. For as long as she was able, Mary maintained an active lifestyle. She loved traveling, and her adventures took her to places like Australia, England, Paris, Ireland, and on an Alaskan cruise.

For several years she traveled to various friends’ cottages where she loved swimming. In fact, she could even be a bit crazy at times as she wasn’t afraid to jump into even the coldest of lakes. Mary was active in her Catholic church, served as the volleyball scorekeeper for Livonia Churchill High School (LCHS), and also headed up

numerous local organizations. Mary was also into the arts as she loved attending the symphony and musicals at Fisher Theatre and Detroit Fox Theatre. When relaxing, she continued to satiate her love for reading with Nora Roberts and Michael Crichton being among her favorite authors.

Hardworking, encouraging, and generous are just a few of the words that come to mind when reflecting on the life of Mary Buda. She was accepting and open minded, although she was also passionate when it came to the people and things she valued. Mary was willing to do whatever she could for others and was able to find the positive side in any and every situation. She deeply loved her niece, great¬-nephew, and her godchildren, treated her students with respect, and once treasured the companionship of her dog, Dino, named after Dean Martin, but was a female. A loyal friend to many, Mary will be forever remembered.

Mary Buda passed away on November 25, 2014 at the age of 67. Beloved sister of Brian Buda and Thomas (Lonnie) Buda. Loving aunt of Kelly Buda and great¬aunt of Trey Thomas Buda. Dearest friend of Leo & Pat and Fran & Jim. Visitation Friday 2¬8pm with a family led Rosary at 6:30pm at our NeelyTurowski Life Story Funeral Home; 30200 Five Mile Rd (between Merriman and Middlebelt). Mass Saturday 9:30am (in state 9:00am) at St. Aidan Catholic Church; 17500 Farmington Rd (north of Six Mile). Interment: St. Hedwig cemetery in Dearborn Hgts.