Bethany Yvonne Budzinski (Fero)

15-year old Bethany Yvonne Budzinski (Fero) of Madison/Middleton, WI, passed away with her mother holding her hand, on Sunday, January 14, 2018. Bethany; A Warrior and a Gentle Queen. Bethany was a survivor of things that might have killed others. Her life is a message of hope. For her, each day was a battle; a battle to forget; a battle fighting nightmares; a battle to survive; a battle for happiness, a battle to find some sense of normal. The battle never ended because it was a constant war within her head. Despite all that, she was a talented listener who instinctively understood what you needed. She used her special powers to heal and comfort. She valued what you said and felt, allowing the trauma to release you from within. Her gentle healing words alleviated pain, and eased the scariest memories. She soothed the body and mind while guiding you to heal and mend scars. Her presence and shield of protection instilled a calmness while creating a safe space to be your true self. Those walls can finally come down now, allowing honesty to prevail through Bethany, a warrior and a gentle queen. You are not a victim for sharing your story. You are a survivor setting the world on fire with your truth. You never know who needs your light, your warmth and raging courage. ~Alex Elle Bethany touched the hearts of many people. She loved art, music and writing. She was a very talented writer: Zombie: by Bethany Budzinski It has been two months since it all started. It feels like it’s been two years. I remember first seeing it happen on the news. Some kid thought it would be cool to broadcast a car crash scene. One of the dead bodies that was on the stretcher got up and ripped apart a police officer who was at the scene. Now I am all alone. Well, not completely alone. I’m with another girl. Her name is Jade, she’s only eight. I treat Jade like she’s my little sister. I protect her as much as I possibly can. Then again, you can’t really protect anyone anymore. I don’t know how this virus started. I don’t know if there will ever be a cure. What I do know though, is I, Kat Valence, have to fight to survive.                                                                                                                      Kat- natural long blonde hair. Hazel eyes.  Caucacasian.  Skinny.  Sixteen. 5'3".  Beautiful.  Doesn't really have a style.  But loves crop tops.                                        Jade- Light skin. Curly brown Hair. Brown eyes. Beautiful. Still has some baby fat. 4’4”.  “We need to find a place to stay for tonight” I said grabbing Jade’s delicate hand. “It’s beautiful” came her soft voice from beside me. “What is?” I asked, wondering what in the world she was going on about. “The grass” she answered “the dew on the grass makes it sparkle like diamonds”. I looked down at the grass. I could see what she was talking about. I was getting ready to reply when I saw it. “Walker” I said, alarmed. Too late, the walker spotted us. I started running. Clinging tightly to Jade’s hand. “Up there” she said pointing to an old house. We ran, reaching the house. I turned around to see not just one walker anymore but five. I turned back around so I was facing the house. I turned the doorknob to the house and pushed the door open. Jade ran in. I shut and locked the door behind me as I got in. I was still facing the door when I heard a gasp from Jade. I looked over at her then turned to what she was looking at. “Crap” I said under my breath. “Who in the hell are you?” said the man holding a gun. “Uh...I’m...Uh Kat” “And this is Jade” I said grabbing Jade’s cold hand. The man just keep looking back and forth between us. He looked as if he was about to say something, but didn’t, when we heard banging coming from the front door. He snapped his head in the direction of the door and sighed. “Follow me” he said turning and walking away. I hesitated but then followed with Jade trailing along behind me. He led us into the kitchen. I couldn’t believe it.  Two woman, a young boy and a baby. I was about to say something when five gun shots came from outside. “That would be Ethan” said the man as he ran out of the kitchen and out the front door. I just stood there looking around the room at everyone while Jade hid behind me. A minute later the man walked back into the kitchen with someone else. Bethany 2016 Bethany is survived by many loving friends and family from all over Wisconsin. Brothers: Isaiah Budzinski (Maddie Schroeder) and Joshua Budzinski of Madison/Middleton. Brother from Father’s side: Robert Murach (Kim Murach); Nephews, Christian and Liam of Fond du Lac Bethany’s best friends, Cain and Cree Risden, who became like a brother and sister. Mother: Nura Misty Budzinski (Toussaint Mlatawou) of Madison Father: Joseph Budzinski of Watertown Second Parents: Scott Risden of Madison and Jodi Risden of Middleton Paternal Grandmother: Angela Petersen of Fond du Lac Maternal Grandmother: Susan M Corcoran of West Bend Maternal Aunts: Jessica Jones of Eau Claire and Mandy Jones of West Bend Paternal Aunts: Heidi Petersen of Fond du Lac, Heather Petersen of Brown Deer, & Carla Petersen of Fond du Lac Maternal Uncle: Matthew Corcoran of Mequon & Julio Molina of Beaver Dam Paternal Uncle: Dennis Budzinski of Oak Creek Cousins: Michael, Rosa Violetta, Jon Pedro, Alyssa, Kaydence, Sean, Hailee, Johnny, Nathan, Chloe, Mckenzie, Carly and Madison. Bethany is also survived by many wonderful friends who she loved dearly. A special thanks to all the therapists, social workers, case managers, guidance counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, teachers and wonderful others who helped Bethany keep her head above water and who helped her mother and brothers understand her PTSD. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating: https://www.youcaring.com/nuramistybudzinski-1071288