Lyda J. (Davis) Budney

Torrington- Lyda Jane Budney, 79, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2019 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas W. Budney. Mrs. Budney was born in Long Island, NY on August 31, 1939, daughter of the late Leonard and Jane (Smith) Davis, and had been a Torrington resident for over 50 years. She was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Torrington.

        Lyda spent her childhood growing up on High Bridge Road in Bantam CT.  She was 4H in High School, a cheerleader, avid dancer and a member of the National Honor Society. She remained close to many of her High School friends for the rest of her life. She met her husband Tom Budney of Torrington and was married in September of 1961.

        Lyda was a master seamstress and a supremely talented artist and craftsperson. Whether it was creating beautiful hand bags, clothing, or unique gifts, her expertise was well known to family and friends. A needle, thread, and sewing machine were like a second set of hands to Lyda. Many knew of her as the “Frog Lady” due to her business, Personality Frogs. She would often create custom original gifts reaching deep into her craft design background to surprise people with beautiful pieces, always fresh from her imagination.

        Lyda was a dedicated wife and mother, always concerned for her family’s happiness.  She loved nothing better than sitting on the front porch talking with friends and family.  She enjoyed weekends and boat rides at the families West Hill Cottage.  She was also a talent in the kitchen often cooking up delicious meals to share with family and friends.

        Though her children sometimes spanned from California to Florida, the distance was never a barrier to keeping her form the love of family, children and grandchildren.

        Survivors include two sons, Sean T. Budney of Torrington and Eric J. Budney and his partner Paula Pfistner of New Hartford; a daughter, Leisa M. Giguere and her husband John of Pleasanton, CA, two grandsons, Jeff Giguere and Mike Giguere; a brother, Gerald “Jerry” Davis and his wife Marie of Torrington; a sister, Elizabeth Davis of Torrington; and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Budney was predeceased by a brother, Leonard Davis, Jr.

        Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 9:00a.m. from Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect St., Torrington, to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 160 Main St., Torrington, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00a.m. Burial will follow in New St. Francis Cemetery, Torrington. Friends may call Wednesday, June 5, 2019 from 5:00 to 8:00p.m. at Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home.

        Memorial contributions may be made to The American Lung Association, 1200 Hosford St., Suite 101, Hudson, WI 54016, (www.lung.org)

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