Lillian Rose Budz, 97
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Lillian Rose Budz, 97, of Saulnier Drive died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, at her home, supported by her daughters Diane Budz of Williamstown and Carol Budz Blanchard of Austin, Texas.
Born in Lancaster, Pa., on Nov. 20, 1916, she was one of six daughters of George Frederick and Elsie Leeking Gaenzle and, upon the early death of her father, honed her business skills to gain employment.
Mrs. Budz was employed with the Williams College Development Office from 1958 until her retirement in 1981, her most fulfilling achievement outside of her home, said family. She first worked with Armstrong Cork Co. in Lancaster and then with Standard Oil of California in San Francisco and later Standard Oil of New Jersey.
During her career at Williams, she raised her daughters, served as treasurer at Taconic Golf Club Board from 1979-1989 and was active in many community and civic activities including the Williamstown Finance Committee and golf tournaments. Known for her practical nature, she was also very generous to area charities, arts venues and people in need. She enjoyed the Williamstown Theatre Festival, particularly, and shared her appreciation of good theater, dance, and restaurants with her friends and family.
She had been suffering from congestive heart failure for several years, though that did not stop her from preparing Christmas dinner for her family in December or renewing her driver's license in November. Mrs. Budz was unstoppably nurturing at home and throughout her professional career. While her professional and community achievements were publicly recognized, it was within her own family and home where she will be most missed and treasured for her strength, support and love. She generously encouraged them, served up family feasts, warmly welcomed her guests, delighted in keeping a secure home and in later years her interests turned to gardening and landscaping. Her character was formed by a strong sense of duty, honesty and loyalty to those she loved.
Her husband, John Richard Budz, whom she married in 1943 in Amarillo, Texas, died in 2005.
Besides her daughters, and son-in-aw Lee Blanchard, she leaves behind her beloved sisters Geraldine Hess, Nancy Kaley and their families residing in the Lancaster, area along with many nieces and nephews.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Donations in Mrs. Budz's name can be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires at www.hcib.org. Arrangements byFlynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals.
Mrs. Budz and her daughters especially wish to thank the team at the Williamstown Medical Associates, Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield and HospiceCare in the Berkshires for their genuine caring service as well as the many friends and extended family in the community who stepped in to lend a hand.