Marilyn (Snyder) Budzynski, 73, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2023. Marilyn was known by all as a firecracker who was full of spunk, tenacity, and determination. She lived her life passionately and to the fullest. Marilyn was born on August 26, 1949, to Bayne and Annabelle Snyder in Madison, WI. She was raised with her three sisters, Elaine Snyder Conn, Janet Snyder, and Gwen Snyder in Indonesia until age of four when her family moved to Gulfport, Mississippi. She graduated high school at the North Carolina School of the Arts and went on to have a professional career as a ballerina with Pennsylvania Ballet. In 1972, she married the love of her life, the late Edward R. Budzynski. They had two children, Christopher Budzynski and Carissa (Budzynski) Hartley. Her family was later expanded with Chris’ marriage to Alexandra (Kochis) Budzynski and Carissa’s to Jason Hartley. She is the proud and loving grandmom to Henna and Charlie Hartley. Marilyn was a beloved wife and mother who dearly cared for her family. While raising her children, Marilyn continued to accomplish her dreams. She opened a ballet school, Budzynski Studios, and founded the Dance Theater of Pennsylvania and later Budzynski Ballet Theater. Over the course of 40 years, her school flourished and produced many professional dancers, including her own son who became a Soloist with Boston Ballet and, later, a Principal with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. She touched the lives and hearts of her students, instilling in them a sense of discipline, intense dedication, and artistry. In their retirement years, Marilyn and Ed traveled the world. Marilyn shared her extreme passion for life with everyone she met, and those who knew her well will cherish the memories of the many escapades that resulted. She built a life and a legacy that will long survive her, and she will be deeply missed. A memorial celebration of life will be held on December 29 at the Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship in Fairhope, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Marilyn Budzynski to the Pew Charitable Trust.
