Marie Alice Buda-Whaley

Marie Alice Buda-Whaley, age 89, passed away peacefully in her home at The Villages in Gainesville, Florida on Tuesday, January 26, 2016. Marie was born in 1926, in Jamaica, New York, the daughter of Emma and Robert Dykeman. She had two brothers Francis and John. In 1943 she met and fell in love with her husband, Stanley F. Buda and they were married in 1947. They lived in Mineola, NY and raised five children together while Stan worked tirelessly to build a successful business. In 1974 Marie and Stan relocated their family to Ocala, Florida where they dug in new roots and enjoyed a happy and full life. Marie served 15 years as an administrative assistant for the Eckerd Foundation, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit child and family service organizations. She was a go-getter and was highly esteemed by staff and leadership. Sadly, however, Stan passed away suddenly in 1995. It came as a shock to the whole family and Marie then moved to Hudson Beach, Florida to be close to her son and daughter. It wasn’t too long before she was reacquainted with an old family friend from New York, John Whaley, whom she married in 2000. They moved to Gainesville Florida and enjoyed a happy life together: traveling, gardening, and visiting family and friends. Sadly, John passed away unexpectedly and in 2014 Marie moved to The Village at Gainesville, a senior living community where she made fast friends. Marie was predeceased by her sons Robert and John and grandson Adam, and is survived by her sons Dennis and Michael, her daughter Pattie, her grandchildren Steve, Corey, Joseph, Ashley, Zack, Mallory, Madison, Mack, and Kyle, and her great-grandsons Daniel and Noah. She is also survived by her son-in-law Roger, who she loved very much, as well as many other friends and family, who, although may not be kin, are family nonetheless—and too many to list. Mention must also be made for her beloved dog Katie, who she had a very special bond. Marie lived a long, full and exciting life and, although she will be missed, her legacy and infectious spirit lives on. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 31, 2016, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street, with a memorial service beginning at 2:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd Street, on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a burial service in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida at 1:00 p.m.

Marie Alice Buda-Whaley

September 7, 1926 - January 26, 2016