Roxanne Bukacek

January 26, 1950-May 17, 2025

Roxanne Bukacek, 75, of Riverside, AL passed away on May 17, 2025, with the same spirited

spark that defined her every day. Known for her vibrant personality and quick wit, Roxanne

brought joy and color to the world around her. She lived fully, loved deeply, and never missed a

chance to laugh or to make others laugh. Roxanne’s life was rich with meaning and woven with

countless, beautiful moments that will live on in all who knew her.

Roxanne was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Nelson Posey; her father, James

Bukacek; her step-father, Thomas Posey, her step- brother Thomas Posey Jr. ( Cynthia); and her beloved Josephine and Uncle Joe Kilgroe.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Douyard; her dear sister, Arabella Tatum (Bill); and her lifelong best friend, Cynthia Cochran (Phil). Roxanne also leaves behind her cherished cousins, Maureen Croley, George Mullins (Kay), and Leah Whatley, with whom she shared a deep and enduring bond.

A proud and active member of the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapter

for many years, Roxanne was passionate about art, history and heritage. She was also a lifelong

gardener, tending lovingly to the grounds of her ancestral home in Riverside, where she found

both peace and purpose. Her home and garden were her sanctuary, a place filled with color,

beauty, and the presence of many beloved pets she cared for over the years.

Roxanne earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art Education from the University

of Alabama at Birmingham. She dedicated 25 years to teaching art at St. Clair County High

School and Pell City High School, where her infectious energy and fun-personality encouraged

and inspired countless students. Her classroom was more than a space for learning; it was a

haven of creativity and happiness.

She spent part of her life in Birmingham but found her way back to Riverside, drawn by the

roots of her family and the embrace of a close-knit community she deeply loved.

Roxanne’s life was a testament to her profound love of art and her immense talent that anyone

could see when they walked into her home. She will be missed and forever remembered for the

beauty she added to the world through her gardening and art.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 pm at 33 River Street Riverside, AL.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Animal Control

Center of Pell City in honor of Roxanne’s love for animals. Contributions may be sent to:

Animal Control Center of Pell City

1071 Airport Road

Pell City, AL 35128

Phone:(205)814-1567