+Michael Buendia passed away at age 43 (11/15/1979 - 5/29/2023)

Michael Buendia, a young adult parishioner of the Basilica as well as St. Jude, has passed at the age of 43 after being hospitalized for several days with possible cancer. Michael is survived by his wife Karmel Buendia, daughter of Basilica parishioner Bill Jochym, and their two small children.

In his final moments, Michael Buendia was surrounded by his wife, brother and sisters and friends and relatives. Fr. Charlie, Fr. Alex and Fr. Carter were all there. They prayed the last rites and the commendation of the dying over Michael.

Please pray for Michael's soul and for his family.
May +Michael Anthony Buendia, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Funeral Services for Michael Anthony Buendia:
 

Funeral Arrangements

• VISITATION Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343
• FUNERAL MASS Monday, June 5, 2023 at 2pm, with VISITATION from 1pm to 2pm, at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, 214 E 8th St., Chattanooga, TN 37402, Very Rev. J. David Carter, JCL, JV, Celebrant; Rev. Charles Burton and Rev. Alex Waraksa, concelebrating
• INTERMENT at Columbarium at St. Jude Catholic Church, 930 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415, at 4pm on June 5, 2023 following the funeral Mass, Very Rev. Charles Burton officiating
• RECEPTION at St. Jude in the Parish Life Center, following the interment

 

Obituary of Michael Anthony Buendia

Devoted husband, father and son

Michael Anthony Buendia was granted eternal life on May 29, 2023. He was born on November 15, 1979 in Richland, Washington and was the eldest son of Adriano and Sofia Buendia. As a child, he moved with his family to New Hampshire and then to Tennessee where he spent most of his life. He graduated from St. Jude School and Notre Dame High School prior to attending Vanderbilt University where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Computer Engineering and Mathematics in 2002. He then earned his Master’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2005. He worked as a Software Engineer at the Chattanooga Group until 2010, then transitioned to a Senior Firmware Engineer at Heartland Payment Systems until 2017. He then joined Global Payments Inc. as a Firmware Engineer manager and was promoted to the Director of Engineering in 2019. Michael married the love of his life, Karmel Jochym, on January 6, 2018. They welcomed their first child, Isabella, in October 2018 and their second child, Lucy, in January 2021. He was a member of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul and St. Jude Catholic Church and was devoted to his Catholic faith.

Michael enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing trivia, eating donuts, hunting clearance deals, playing guitar, watching wrestling, and finding collectable items. His bright smile and humor made everyone he encountered feel welcomed and comforted. Most of all, Michael was dedicated to his family, embracing his role as a loving husband and doting father of his beautiful daughters. He was the best brother, uncle, son, and friend to all.

He was preceded in death by his father, Adriano Buendia, and grandparents.

He is survived by his beloved wife Karmel, his two adoring daughters Isabella and Lucy, his mother Sofia, his sister Allyson (Matthew) Underwood with nieces Madeline and Abigail, and his brother Matthew Buendia, along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be a visitation at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home at 5351 SR 153 on June 4, 2023 from 4-7PM and at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church on June 5, 2023 from 1PM-2PM, followed by the funeral mass at 2PM. Interment will follow at St. Jude Catholic Church at 930 Ashland Terrace at 4PM.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
 

Homily

Read the homily given by Fr. David Carter at Michael's funeral
 

Updates during Michael's Illness:

5/29/2023 - Extra prayers are needed for Michael Buendia at this moment. While waiting for a biopsy, his situation turned critical, and he is now in cardiac care. 

5/26/2023 - Michael received the Anointing of the Sick by Fr. Charlie Burton on May 25. He is at Memorial Hospital undergoing tests. 

5/25/2023 - Michael Buendia, a young adult parishioner of the Basilica as well as St. Jude, has been hospitalized on May 25, 2023. A large mass has been found in his lower abdomen, and the situation is very serious.

Michael is married to Karmel Buendia, daughter of Basilica parishioner Bill Jochym, and they have two small children. Please pray for Michael and the family and his health care team as Michael is being assessed and treated.

(View obituary on Chattanooga Funeral Home website)







Michael and Karmel got married at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul on January 6, 2018.