Willeen Anne (Wilkinson) Buchholz

Willeen Anne (Wilkinson) Buchholz of Longboat Key, Florida passed away peacefully on May 17, 2024, surrounded by her family. Willeen was born to William and Eileen Wilkinson on April 6, 1945, in Rochester, New York. As unique as her name, which was created by combining her parents’ names, her bold personality and outgoing spirit cannot be fully captured in a brief snapshot of her life. Willie spent childhood involved with the Girl Scouts, riding horses, swimming, and sailing at the Rochester Yacht Club. She loved a good time with friends and after graduating from Eastridge High School in 1963 remained close with many, planning and attending all of their class reunions. She further attended Hood College in Frederick, Maryland and went on to earn her Master's Degree in Education from the University of Rochester. With her competitive and adventurous spirit, Willie raced in the Adam’s Cup with RYC friends and in the early 1970s met her husband Doug while racing Solings. They have been side by side ever since and just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last month. Together they spent time riding motorcycles, skiing, playing tennis, and vacationing all across the Caribbean. As an avid tennis player, she was on a number of USTA teams, and each August they traveled to Toronto for the Canadian Open where she officiated for a number of years. Willie was never one to shy away from giving advice. Throughout her thirty year career at Irondequoit High School first as a school counselor, and then as the director of guidance, she was a champion of education and loved mentoring young people. During her tenure, she served as the Women's Varsity Tennis coach for over a decade often taking teams to compete in the state championships. She was a wonderful role model for young women with several students keeping in touch and visiting even years after graduating. Her impact will endure for years to come. In 2004 Willie and Doug packed up and moved to Longboat Key, a long time favorite vacation spot, to start living the retirement of their dreams. Together they volunteered regularly at Mote Marine helping in the dolphin hospital and with sea turtle rehabilitation. She loved dolphins so much that many will remember her favorite necklace with “Ebenezer” the golden dolphin. Weekly matches at the Longboat Key Tennis Center filled the calendar along with teaching pilates, traveling with friends, and working as a Mary Kay representative. They did not take up golf however, always noting that they were still much too young. The most wonderful wife, mom, and Gigi (gorgeous grandma) we could ask for, Willeen was predeceased by her son, Brett Buchholz, and her parents. Along with Doug, she is survived by her daughter Danielle (Mike) Guarrera, Dave (Barb) Buchholz, Larry (Jan) Buchholz, grandchildren Noah, Jonas, Cameron, Max, and Nathan, as well as her brother, David (Kathy) Wilkinson. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Aravilla Memory Care, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and Affinity Hospice for the incredible care and support provided to her. Arrangements will be private at the request of the family A Celebration of Life is anticipated at the end of June with details forthcoming. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her honor to the Alzheimer's Association.

Tributes

Willeen Anne (Wilkinson) Buchholz

April 6, 1945 - May 17, 2024