Mary Alene Buza

Mary Alene "Al" Buza

On Friday, March 25th, 2022, surrounded by beloved family, Mary peacefully took her last earthly breath and ascended into Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We take solace in knowing family & friends who have died before her were there to welcome her home.

Born Mary Alene Ballard on July 15, 1938, in Akron, Ohio, Mary was the oldest of four children to Joseph and Mary Alice Ballard.  A near Shirley Temple lookalike with baby blue eyes and soft blonde curls, Mary was a beautiful girl.  She graduated Kenmore High School in 1957 where she was known as “Rusty” and worked as a secretary at Goodyear.  On April 27, 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert (Bob) A. Buza Sr. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Akron.  Together, Bob & Mary lived the American Dream by raising their three children Robert Jr., Mary Marcene and Lori Ann in Copley, Ohio and running a successful drywall & plaster business.

Without question, Mary loved her family more than anything and doted endlessly on her grandchildren and great-grands.  She loved to have fun and was the life of the many parties she hosted over the years with Bob.  She loved gathering family, friends and neighbors for parties and to swim at their pool, enjoyed vacationing & cruising - particularly to the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii with Bob & their friends and numerous family trips with her children and grandchildren to Emerald Isle.  Mary had a way of making everyone she knew feel so very special and loved.  She will be remembered for sending greeting cards on any and every occasion, with the important parts always underlined, and was a very thoughtful gift-giver.  Elvis Presley was her favorite musician, particularly his gospel music.  She made sure to pass her love of The King down through the generations, even the great-grandkids.  Mary was an incredible homemaker, her home always sparkling clean & meticulously decorated.  She was an even better cook, her spaghetti sauce was unrivaled.  Known as the “Stainmaster” family members often brought stained clothes for her to work her magic on.

 Mary is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 65 years, Bob, who she affectionately nicknamed "Bubby."  She is survived by her three children and their spouses:  Robert A. Jr. (Darlene), Marcie (David) Mason and Lori (Greg) Snyder.  Known as Mama, G-Ma or Grandma to her seven loving grandchildren Terry Phillips (Tommy), Brittany Buza, Meredith Claburn (Lee), Kelsey Cortina (Ryan), Ryan Snyder, Brent Mason and Evan Mason.  Adored as GiGi by great-grands Alannah, Mallory, Erin, Henry, Sarah & Callan Phillips; Brooklyn Gonzalez; Liam, Elliot, Nash & Evelyn Cortina; Brynn, Alexis & Eliza Claburn; and Daulton & Mazie Mason.  Additionally survived by siblings Polly (Barry) Greathouse and Bud (Cindy) Ballard, lifelong friends Ralph Blachly and Jim & Donna Fioramonti, special friend Anne Salyer and many dear neighbors.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sister Kathy Zabrosky and great-grandson Travis Mason.

Calling hours to be held on Palm Sunday, April 10th from 4pm - 7pm at Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home (39 S. Miller Road - Fairlawn).  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 11th at 11am, Guardian Angels Catholic Church (1676 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road - Copley).  Interment will be private. 

Donations may be made in Mary’s name to Copley Fire Department.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Alene Buza, please visit our floral store.