Marie J. Budakian

Marie Budakian (nee Rammer), 90, of River Vale, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Philadelphia, Marie grew up in Mishawaka, Indiana. She graduated from Mishawaka High School and attended Purdue University where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Childhood Education. She also attended Indiana University where she earned her Master’s degree.

Marie met the love of her life, Jack Budakian, while at Purdue and they married July 11, 1959. They eventually settled in River Vale where she lived for 60 years while raising her family. She supported her children in all they did and was a class mom, scout leader and a frequent chaperone on school field trips. She was her children’s biggest cheerleader and was a fixture in the stands at all their sporting events. Her dedication and enthusiasm was recognized by the PVHS Touchdown Club in 1986 when they awarded her the “Fan of the Year” award.

Marie was a lifelong teacher having taught in Mishawaka, IN, Calumet City, IL, St. Louis, MO and finally River Vale, NJ, where she taught for 30 years, spending most of her career as a Basic Skills Teacher at Roberge School. Her daily arrival by bicycle delighted the students and faculty. She was loving and caring in all that she did but was an especially wonderful teacher. She took great pride in helping to provide the “little boost” (as she called it) that her students needed and she celebrated their growth and accomplishments.

An animal lover through and through she had many dogs, cats, and rabbits as family pets and cared for injured wild animals and the squirrels in her yard. Through Bergen County Animal Shelter, she was a foster mother to dozens of abandoned kittens that required bottle feeding, all of whom thrived under her nurturing care. The family’s dogs were especially fond of her, as she would feed them snacks from the table against the wishes of the dog’s parents, always denying she was doing it, even as the dog sat attentively at her side.

Marie’s most endearing qualities were her humility and her smile. She was gracious and warm to everyone and was a friend to all who met her. No one was a stranger; she would initiate conversations with anyone, anywhere.

Marie was a devout Catholic and her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She enjoyed attending church and bible studies and teaching CCD. She was a constant presence at Sunday Mass at St. Andrew’s in Westwood and served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. After communion each week, she would head over to the book of intentions to add her list of people or causes that needed prayers. She loved sharing her faith with her children and grandchildren.

Marie is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Jack Budakian; her loving children John Budakian, MaryAlice Kinsella and her husband, Keith, Jamie Budakian, and Robert Budakian and his wife, Kelly. “Nana” is also survived by her granddaughters Sasha Budakian, Jacqueline and Nicole Kinsella, and Alexis and Kathryn Budakian.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marie’s memory to St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church, Westwood, NJ https://standrewcc.com/ or either of the following no-kill animal shelters: Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Oakland, NJ https://rbari.org/donate/ or the Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center

www.co.bergen.nj.us/animal-shelter-adoption-center/about-animal-shelter-adoption-center