Virginia Mary Budnik

Virginia Mary Budnik was called home to God on Tuesday, July 22, 2014. She died peacefully of natural causes at Heritage Gardens Care Center in Upland, California. Born in Detroit, Michigan on March 27, 1927 she was 88 years old at the time of her passing.

A California resident since 1952, she lived most of her life in Upland and Montclair.

Virginia worked part-time in retail and as a newspaper proofreader, but her primary vocation was homemaker for her beloved husband John Felix Budnik and their four children: Elaine Mary, Judy Ann, John Raymond, and Thomas Joseph.

An avid life-long newspaper reader, Virginia rarely left a page unturned and never missed the opportunity to clip a good coupon. She travelled far and wide, and whether by car, plane, or boat she saw most of the fifty states and numerous tropical regions including Panama, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Usually her trips were designed to visit family in Michigan, Illinois, and Washington.

Her generous nature was demonstrated through her charitable contributions of her time, talent, and treasure. Over the years, recipients included the American Lung Association, the Altar Society of Saint Joseph’s Church in Upland, the Montclair Senior Center, and many, many others.

Virginia brightened many a person’s day through her gentle and practical sense of humor. For instance, on her eighty-eighth birthday, she said, “Well, I can’t be eighty –seven forever.” When confused about some situation, she often remarked, “That’s as clear as mud.” Virginia was also an animated storyteller, and loved sharing anecdotes of her everyday life with family, friends, and her caregivers.

Her memory endures through her surviving children: Judy Kennedy of Springfield, Illinois, John Budnik of Riverside, California, and Tom Budnik of Anacortes, Washington. Her family tree further extends to her grandchildren, Jamie Maletic, Jason Maletic, Nathan Maletic, Justin Maletic, Simon Maletic, Shawn Kennedy, Shannon Quintana (Kennedy), Samantha Kennedy, Jay Kennedy, and Talyn Budnik. She is also survived by several great grandchildren.

Family members she is now reunited with include her husband of 49 years, John Felix Budnik, her two sisters Mary and Josephine and two brothers Walter and Eddie her daughter Elaine Maletic, and her grandsons Scott Kennedy and Noah Maletic.

A Rosary service will be held Sunday, July 27 from 5-7 PM at Draper Mortuary in Ontario. A funeral Mass will be said the following day, Monday, July 28, at 10 AM at Saint Joseph’s church in Upland.