Gail (Cruise) Bujake

Gail Cruise Bujake of Louisville, Kentucky, passed peacefully into everlasting life surrounded by her loving family on October 4, 2025, at the age of 88. Gail was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She is survived by her children John Bujake III, Laura Marone (Michael), Jacquelyn Graham (Trent), and Bill Bujake (Nima Kumar); her brother, Roger (Vivian); her grandchildren Caroline, Michael, George, Lauren, Will, Evelyn, Rowan, and Johnny; and her nieces and nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lillian Cruise; her husband of 41 years, John Bujake, Jr.; and her husband in later years, Daniel W. Burke. Gail was born and raised in New York, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in French from Marymount College and her master’s degree in theology from Fordham University. She married John Bujake and became a dedicated homemaker and loving mother in a New York City suburb. Her strong faith and commitment to family sustained her through many moves—from New York to Houston, to Chicago, to St. Louis, and finally to Louisville, Kentucky, where she spent the last 35 years of her life. Once her youngest child was in high school, Gail launched a second career and became a highly successful real estate investor. Throughout her life, she continued to seek deeper spiritual understanding, which led her to embrace an eastern philosophy rooted in compassion, moral integrity, and mindful living—principles she reflected in her daily life through strict vegetarianism, abstaining from alcohol, devoted meditation, and many meaningful journeys to India. She was a well-loved, compassionate, fascinating, and deeply intelligent woman who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in Gail’s honor.

Family and friends are invited to attend graveside funeral services for Gail at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 10:30 AM.

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