WORCESTER___An icon of Worcester’s past and present left us on Friday, January 8, 2010. Marion Beatrice Bundza was born in Worcester on June 22, 1922, a daughter of William and Katerina (Michalauskus) Bundza. A legendary waitress at Charles and Messier's Restaurants on the “Island,” her elaborate holiday decorations were a tradition. She was a graphic artist and designed menus and advertisements. Self-taught in literature, antiques, and historical preservation, Marion organized committees to preserve Worcester’s best- including Union Station, Notre Dame Church and the Blackstone Canal. After retirement she managed the Green Island Senior Center and organized unforgettable trips throughout New England for members. Travels with her young nieces and nephews in the 1950’s and 60’s included sitting on the hood of her Cadillac watching 10 men in underwear running the Boston Marathon, to exploring the massive rock quarries in Connecticut on “land which will always belong to the Native Americans and they will someday make money on it” – a Foxwood’s prophecy! She loved the ocean and spent many summers on the coast of Rhode Island with friends and family.
She leaves a loving nephew and carertaker, Francis 'Frank' Mita and loving nieces, Catherine Jones and Arlene Mita. She was predeceased by a nephew, Tom Mita. She also leaves many great nieces and nephews, including Sarah and Victoria Jones of Chicago and friends Shirley Davenport, Lorraine Laurie, Carl Decker, and Joe.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 with a Mass at 5:00 P.M. in St. John Church, 40 Temple Street. Burial will be at a later date in Notre Dame Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friendly House, 36 Wall Street, Worcester, Ma., 01604. HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward Street, has care of the service arrangements.