Gertrude T. (Tessier) Buchika, 97, died peacefully at her home on Monday, May 16, surrounded by those she loved. She was the widow of the late George Buchika.
Buchika was born July 4, 1918, in Franklin, N.H., the daughter of the late Louis and Claudia (Boudreau) Tessier. She attended Franklin schools and the Nicolet School, Quebec. Upon her marriage she moved to Haverhill. In 1962 she retired from her job at Western Electric, and together with her husband, operated Buchika’s Ski Shop at their home on Primrose Street. She remained active in the ski shop for more than 45 years as it grew from a small, family run business to a nationally recognized, award winning retail establishment. She was an avid golfer and long-time member of the Haverhill Golf and Country Club. She was active in the Haverhill Garden Club, Haverhill City Club, and a member of St. James Parish. She also enjoyed bowling and flower arranging, and was an avid gardener. She loved entertaining and her home in Seabrook Beach was the family gathering place for decades. She was devoted to her family and was the beloved matriarch of five generations.
Buchika was predeceased by her son, Roger, who died in 2011. She is survived by daughters, Clodette and her husband John Ruth Jr. and Cynthia Buchika, all of Haverhill; daughter-in-law, Jane Buchika of Andover; grandchildren, Maureen Ruth, Cathleen Ahern, John Ruth III, Cheryl Accardi, Samantha, Andrew and Brant Buchika, and Emily and Jessica Antos; seven great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her calling hours Thursday afternoon, May 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. at H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. Her funeral will be Friday morning, May 20, beginning at 10, at the Funeral Home, followed by a funeral mass of Christian Burial at 11, in St. James Church, Winter Street, Haverhill. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery, Haverhill. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o, St James Parish, 6 Cottage St., Haverhill, MA 01830.
wonderful person a credit to skiing