Obituary of Skeeter Budd

November 12, 2020

Eleanor “Skeeter” Budd (nee Gray) died peacefully, in her sleep on the morning of November 12th in Kitchener, ON., where she was a nearly life-long resident. She was 94.

Skeeter is survived by sons, Wayne Budd (Pam) of Waterloo, Greg Budd (Sue) of Medina, New York, daughter, Melanie Budd (Bob) of Waterloo; grandchildren Drew Budd (Vicki), Michael Budd (Lindsey), Kristen Kanellis (Gus), Erin Budd, Devon Linkert (Michael), Jake Linkert, Allison Felker, and Jordan Felker; great-grandchildren, Justin, Cohen, Chloe, Lucas, Lennon, and Brianna, as well as dear friends Marj Ince, Laurie Baines, and the entire Checkerboard gang. She is predeceased by both parents and by her brother, Harold “Bub” Gray, and her sister Phyllis “Phyl” Harmer.

Born in Peterborough on February 15th, 1926 to Alys and Harold Gray, Skeeter, always the optimist, lived a life filled with grace and gratitude, centered entirely around her family. In her working life, Skeet was a pillar in the Wilfrid Laurier community where she served as Alumni Secretary and a surrogate mother/grandmother to students for nearly 20 years. Skeeter relished every opportunity for travel and made perhaps the world’s greatest apple donuts, was an avid knitter and photographer, life-long music and sports fan (Go Jays!), and a dedicated volunteer at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and Parkwood Mennonite Home, where she served and entertained residents often 15 to 20 years her junior. Skeeter was a cherished human being and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The family sends thanks to Mari and all the staff at Cambridge Country Manor for their attentiveness and care for the duration of Skeeter’s stay.

Per regime directives, there will not be a funeral, though the family looks forward to hosting a celebration of life when things return to the old normal. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario or the Canadian Cancer Society.