Jean Budny

IRON MOUNTAIN - Jean (Nardi) Budny, 88, formerly of 721 N. Kimberly Ave. in Iron Mountain, died Friday, Dec. 1, 2006, at the home of her daughter, Nancy, in Oceanside, Calif. She was born on Nov. 17, 1918, in Iron Mountain, the daughter of the late Augustino and Aelisa (Nocerini) Nardi. Jean has been a lifelong resident of Iron Mountain. After graduation from Iron Mountain High School in 1936, she earned a degree from Dundon's Business College. She married her honey, Wally Budny, on May 10, 1940, in Iron Mountain. He preceded her in death on Sept. 12, 1989. Jean spent years in the downtown area of Iron Mountain, where she worked first as an assistant manager at Newberry Store, then to assist her sister, Perina Pastori at the well-known Perina's fashion store. She was dedicated to the business, keeping the accounts balanced and fitting countless women over the years with a variety of garments. She could always be counted on to give her honest opinion on fashion. Working with her husband, Wally, custom tailoring men's and women's clothes, they were in constant demand for a perfect fit. During her later years, she volunteered to help dress up dolls for resale at St. Vincent de Paul. Jean was a woman of boundless energy. During her life, she carried on the North side Italian tradition of making homemade pasta and other treats. She spent many hours in her retirement cooking for others, especially for the elderly in nursing homes. Jean was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a member of the Daughters of Isabella, and was active in different church committees. She was also a member of the Lady Elks. Jean loved to travel and visit her children. She went to Italy to visit relatives. There was a large family reunion last summer in Iron Mountain where Jean was the guest of honor as the last living member of the great generation. Jean loved her family and her church and will be greatly missed by those who loved her, and welcomed by those who have gone before her. She is survived by her loving children, Carol (Tom) Hassell of Austin, Texas, Nancy (Ernie) Mascitti of Oceanside, Sally Budny of Iron Mountain, and Dan (Teresa) Budny of Pittsburgh and Alexandria, Va.; dearest grandchildren, Jeanne (Mike) Dahmus of Austin, Mark (Laura) Hassell of Colorado Springs, Colo., Amy (David) Woods of Atlanta, Jon (Heather) Hassell of Atlanta, Karen (Tim) Morgan of Austin, Lena Bartels of Grand Rapids, lower Michigan, Lydia Budny of Lafayette, Ind., Brian Budny of Pittsburgh and Eric Budny and Nathan Budny of Lafayette; great-grandchildren, Justin Couture, Ethan Dahmus, Logan Hassell, and Leo Morgan. She will be deeply missed by numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wally Budny and four siblings, Perina Pastori, Fred Nardi, Margaret Raffin, and Ida Worthington. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Msgr. James Kaczmarek will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Jean Budny online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Jean Budny

December 1, 2006