Diane Lemieux Buda, 70, of Stratford,beloved wife of the late Michael J. Buda Sr., passed away peacefully on Friday, January 20, 2017.
Diane was born on April 5, 1946 in Bridgeport, CT and was the daughter of the late Arthur and Mary Milewski Lemieux. Diane married the love of her life on May 27, 1967 and together they created Buda Plumbing & Heating Company for over forty years with Diane overseeing the business operations and Mike performing the plumbing functions.
Diane was a master seamstress who co-owned a dress shop and craft business with her friend Eleanor Burke and taught sewing at Adult Education in Milford, CT for thirty years.
Diane was most recently employed with the U.S. Attorney’s Bridgeport office as a legal assistant prior to her retirement. Diane enjoyed crafting, sewing, politics and helping others.
She was very generous in her efforts of helping others. She selflessly gave of herself in caring for her husband during a lengthy illness. Diane always rushed to assist others in need as was evident in her many compassionate acts of kindness.
A true leader, Diane ran for Councilman at Large in Stratford in 1991 and assisted in creating the Stratford Initiative Party with the goal of lowering Stratford’s property taxes. Although defeated, she would never give up on her cause which continued for many years. She could always be found voicing her opinion at town meetings and never wavered in her beliefs.
A strong woman who stood for what she believed in and instilled this trait in her children. Diane was also steadfast in her religious faith and was a member of many organizations at Holy Name Church.
Diane was a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokols and most recently The Baldwin Center Tap Dancers. We will greatly miss Diane and her feisty spirit!
Diane is survived by her two beloved daughters, Michele Buda Pankowitz and Danielle Buda White both of Stratford, four sisters, Sandra Rhodes of Madison, CT, Barbara Frankel of Fairfield, CT, Pauline Mudrick and husband Warren of Orange, CT, Suzanne Ajder and husband Milorad of Delray Beach, FL, sister-in-law Helen Lemieux of Arizona, along with several nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, dear friends, her canine companion Zippie and grand cat Sweetie Pie.
Diane was predeceased by her beloved husband Michael Buda Sr., who together, would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May, her cherished son Michael Buda Jr. who departed this life in 1991 and a treasured brother Arthur Lemieux.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 28, 2017 DIRECTLY at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1950 Barnum Avenue, Stratford, CT at 9 a.m. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull, CT. According to Diane’s wishes, calling hours have been omitted.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home, 2220 Main Street, Stratford.
In lieu of flowers, those so wishing, may make a memorial donation to the Stratford Animal Rescue Society (S.T.A.R.S.), P.O. Box 1371, Stratford, CT 06615.
The family would like to thank Dr. David Jutkowitz and Deacon Michael Saranich for all their care and compassion throughout the years. To celebrate a life, please visit us at www.galellofuneralhome.com