Marie Ann (Schroeder) Bueche, 98, passed away Oct. 11, 2021 in Sarasota, FL.
She was born on July 12, 1923, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to Louis J. and Lela (Merrill) Schroeder, the second of six children in a happy, extended family.
Marie was married to Francis A. Bueche for 55 years prior to his passing in 2001. They raised their children in Watervliet, where she was employed by the Watervliet Public Schools until her retirement to Bangor, MI, and then Sarasota, FL.
Marie’s busiest years were in Watervliet. The front door was always opening and closing for kids coming and going to community and school activities. With a sparkle she greeted those who entered and gently she pushed them out to grow.
Her family cherished so many gatherings with her, where she served up not only her famed homemade fresh fruit pies, but also heaping servings of optimism, encouragement and kindness. She was always ready to listen to a problem and never left work for others to do. If she wanted something, she made it; if something was old but still worked, she used it. “It’s better to wear out than to rust out” was a favorite saying. She was a weaver, a quilter and a gardener.
She is survived by her daughters, Janet (Fred) Leonberger and Jean (Ken) Balch, as well as four grandchildren: Greg (Linda) Leonberger, Katie Leonberger (Marc Khouzami), Jordan Bueche and Christian (Alyssa Marcum) Bueche; four great-grandchildren: Andrew and Megan Leonberger; Mia and Max Khouzami; a brother, Richard (Marilou) Schroeder and her beloved nieces and nephews.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, and two sons, Douglas and John Bueche.
The family wishes to thank the staff/caregivers of Sunnyside Village, who provided warm and attentive care, especially during the pandemic and during the most recent months.
She will be laid to rest in Mishawaka next spring after a memorial mass at St. Monica Church, which has “hatched, matched and dispatched” (baptized, married and buried) Marie and her dear family members over the past 100 years.
Charitable donations in her memory may be sent to The Hearing Loss Association of America Sarasota-Manatee Chapter, PO Box 48643, Sarasota, FL 34230.