Linda “Lucy” Budzyna, known locally as the past co-owner and operator of the Grist Mill and Summit Lodge in Killington from approximately 1969 to 1991, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, after a long illness.
Budzyna spent her last 31 years in Seabrook Island, South Carolina. She was for many years the owner and operator of the very popular Lucy’s Red Sky Grill, located just outside the gates of the island. Under her leadership and amiable personality, the grill became famous among many of Seabrook and Kiawah residents and visitors for its friendly atmosphere, delicious meals, and live entertainment on Sunday evenings.
Lucy Budzyna was well known in Killington both to locals and visitors as she and her then husband Ken Budzyna owned the popular Summit Lodge and Grist Mill.
Budzyna was born on Oct. 9, 1947 in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, the youngest child now survived by her older sister, Barbara Eckbreth and her husband, Alan, from Glastonbury, Connecticut and her brother, Richard Hocking and his wife, Judy, of Lawrenceville, New Jersey. After a one year educational experience at Mitchell College in Groton, Connecticut, she moved to Killington, where she and her new husband (Ken Budzyna) became owners and operators of The Summit Lodge and Grist Mill (restaurant and nightclub).
During her time there she became an avid skier and golfer and lover of animals. Her caring ways and her attractiveness earned her the runner-up position in the prestigious Mrs. Vermont contest. Unfortunately her stay in Vermont ended with a divorce and she moved on in 1991 to Seabrook Island and purchased a townhome. There she began pursuing her love for golf by joining the Governor’s Club at Kiawah. She also named two of her cats Divots and Putter!
In January 2021, she chose to sell her townhouse and move in with her significant other, Ted Rokicki, on Sealoft Drive. During their time together starting in 2004, they traveled across the USA, Canada, Mexico and Europe to play golf and enjoy the beauty of other states and countries.
A memorial is being planned in honor of her in the near future at the Island House on Seabrook. Gifts to Pet Helpers (pethelpers.org) in her honor would be appreciated. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting: jhenrystuhr.com or the guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston.
