Oscar Albert Buma, 95, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 5, 2024. After twenty-three long years without her, he has finally joined his beloved wife, Marjorie, in the kingdom of Heaven.

Oscar was the son of the late Ruth and Albert Buma and resided in Northbridge for most of his life. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. Oscar dedicated his life to creating opportunities for his family and will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

As a child, Oscar made countless mischievous memories in the woods of Northbridge Center, sliding down a snowy Benson Road or swimming in New Pond with his brothers, friends, and dog. A veteran of the Korean War, Oscar was a man of few words, but he was never one to sit idly by when there was work to be done.

After returning from his service in the U.S. Army, Oscar worked for many years as a dry cleaner throughout Central Massachusetts, even starting his own business at one point. Oscar married the love of his life on the hottest day of the year in June of 1952. Together, they raised their two children in a home filled with laughter and love. Oscar was a Deacon at Northbridge Center Church and a member of the Freemasons for more than sixty years, eventually achieving the status of Grand Master. He loved his children deeply, always attending their Drum Corps events and ensuring their pants were perfectly creased for each performance. In the summers, the family went camping in their homemade trailer, visiting places such as Niagara Falls, New Hampshire, and Maine. Their most cherished memories were made there, whether it was a greased watermelon in the lake or water skiing for the first time on Long Lake.

He eventually retired from dry cleaning to work at his son’s business, The Butcher Block, in Whitinsville. Oscar loved to golf and did so regularly until his failing eyesight prevented him from continuing. He was a member of the Worcester Men of Song from 1979 to 2021, and even after he stopped singing, he loved attending their performances. A jack-of-all-trades, Oscar was an avid gardener and carpenter who could fix just about anything. He loved to cook and experiment in the kitchen. He possessed a unique palate, preferring to pair peanut butter with mashed potatoes rather than chocolate. His culinary adventures eventually became mysteries even to him as his eyesight worsened, though they were always good for a laugh. We will always remember with fondness the ‘Italian Seasoning in the Thanksgiving Apple Pie Fiasco’ long after he is gone!

In his later years, as his freedoms were slowly taken from him, Oscar found pleasure in listening to books on tape, having coffee with friends, and, most importantly, visiting with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As the patriarch of his family, Oscar leaves behind a legacy of loyalty and love. He is survived by his son, Paul Buma, and his wife, Patty, of Douglas, and his daughter, Caren Adams, and her husband, Ray, of Sutton. He also leaves behind his greatest joys in life, his three granddaughters and their families: Pam and Chris Pupka of Douglas and their sons: Ryan and his wife, Lesley, Kyle, and Evan; Tanya and Phil Ianniello of Newton and their children: Luca, Ruby, and Cora; and Mandee and Matthew Lape of Grafton and their children: Clara, Eloise, and Harrison Oscar; along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and his wife of forty-nine years, Marjorie Vierstra, Oscar was also predeceased by his brothers Elmer, Richard, and Albert, as well as countless close friends who have gone before him.

Oscar never wanted an elaborate service, nor would he want anyone to shed a tear in his memory. However, his life is truly one to be celebrated, and we invite you to join us in honoring him on Tuesday, September 10th. Calling hours will begin at 9:30 am at Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill Street, Whitinsville. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am, with interment at Riverdale Cemetery in Northbridge.

In lieu of flowers, which Oscar would say are a waste of money, we kindly ask that donations be made to the Talking Book Library, a program that brought him immense joy in his final years. Donations in honor of Oscar Buma can be sent to the Talking Book Library, ℅ the Worcester Public Library, attention Leeanne Hooley, at 3 Salem Square, Worcester, MA 01608.