Louise Marie Buczynski Gray

Bristol, VA - Louise Marie Buczynski Gray, age 85 and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on Monday, April 23, 2018 at her home.  Louise was born on January 12, 1933 in Erie, PA, to the late Peter and Joanna (Sawicki) Buczynski.  After marrying her husband Larry, she moved to Sycamore, IL, then to Audubon, PA, before moving to Bristol nearly 40 years ago.  In addition to her parents, Louise is preceded in death by her brother John “Jack” Buczynski.Louise is survived by her selflessly dedicated husband of nearly 65 years, Lawrence “Larry” Gray; three daughters: Valerie Gray Durkin and her husband Shane of North Potomac, MD; Cindy Rockett and her husband Bob of Bristol, VA; and Janice Achey and her husband Mike of Lower Bank, NJ; one son, Rob Gray of Johnson City, TN; grandchildren and great grandchildren:  Joy Rockett Hull, her husband Clint and their three daughters, Reagan, Berkley, and Lydia; Donn Rockett; Brendon Achey, his wife Melissa and their son, Samuel; Grant Achey and his wife, Dana; Lawrence Achey and his friend Jenna Allman; Tessa Durkin Villavicencio and her husband Zach; and Julianne Durkin, her  husband Cliff Volatile and their son, Benjamin;  and Louise’s two brothers,  Joe and Ben Buczynski.A heartfelt thank you is extended to the care team of Joy, Reagan, Berkley and Lydia Hull, Donn Rockett, Carrissa Poe (“adopted granddaughter”), and Sasha Haderer who so faithfully tended to her needs and provided the lively entertainment that kept her smiling to the very end of her life on earth.Visitation will be held 12:00-12:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2018 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church on Euclid Avenue in Bristol, VA.   A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:30 p.m.  and entombment will be held in the church mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Donn Rockett, Brendon Achey, Grant Achey, Lawrence Achey, Zach Villavicencio, Cliff Volatile, and Clint Hull.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Crossroads Medical Mission, PO Box 16852, Bristol, VA 24209-6852.  Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.The family of Louise Marie Buczynski Gray is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 623-2700. 


                                   
                                   Louise’s Final Words 

I imagine this is what my mom would say today, if she had the ability to speak:
As my body weakens, the love surrounding me continues to be obvious. Last week, Lydia (2 1/2 years old) told her Mimi (Cindy), "Look, Mimi! Grandma is on a bridge. Grandma is on a bridge!" I am very close to crossing that bridge. Just think, I'll be released from this earthly body and out of pain. It is well with my soul and I am looking forward to rejoicing (and walking) in heaven. 
I marvel at how Larry has so selflessly cared for me for decades. I marvel at the amazing family that has come from our union. I marvel at our amazing children, their wonderful spouses, our lovely grandchildren and great grandchildren!
Valerie and Shane have blessed me with those beautiful girls of conviction and strength, Tessa and Julianne. I send my love to you and Zach and Cliff and that cute little Benjamin! I am grateful for all of the time we have been able to spend together. I am especially grateful for years and years of Gray Family Christmases at your home. You have the priceless gift of hospitality.
I marvel that Cindy and Bob moved into our neighborhood nearly 20 years ago, obviously in preparation to get us through these rough times. I marvel that Joy and Donn have become such an important part of my care team and that Clint, Reagan, Berkley and Lydia have been my ongoing entertainment for years. It's so much fun when you bring me dinner and the entertainment to go with it! Joy, you are so strong in your faith in the Lord, and that has brought real comfort to me. Your compassion has helped you to care for me in ways I would never have imagined. Your girls have brought me such joy and love. Donn, you have helped us so much over the years. You know how much you mean to Gramps, and I need you to spend lots of time with him.
I marvel that Janice and Mike have carried on the importance of family closeness and family vacations and that they have produced such fine, family oriented and handsome sons. Brendon. Lawrence and Grant, you are amazing young men and have welcomed three wonderful women into our family. Melissa, Dana and Jenna, take good care of those guys! Oh my, that Samuel, he is a ray of sunshine in the darkness.
Rob, I am so glad that you have found a place that offers you strength in Christ. Keep it up! I know you have an inner strength that will continue to carry you through.
I am tired, so very tired! It really is well with my soul. If I were able, I would hug you all.....and I would say those words that never came easily, "I love you."