- December 20, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Long-time area resident, Miriam S. Buschman, passed away on October 22, 2023, at her home in Ormond Beach. She was 105 years old. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 28, 1918, Miriam spent the first eleven years of her life in Norwood, a suburb of Cincinnati.
Recollections of her childhood were many, including those of her grandfather, a prominent homeopathic physician who often used his horse and buggy when making house calls to his patients.
In 1929, year of the Great Depression, her parents, older sister, and she moved to Daytona Beach where other family members had become hoteliers catering to locals and tourists alike. The comfortable and spacious accommodations provided a new home for the family.
During the years that followed, her father, architect A Folger Snow, designed several grand homes in Daytona Beach. In the early 1930’s, he designed (and in part, sculpted) the WWI Veterans Memorial that once graced Riverfront Park in downtown Daytona. In collaboration with another local architect, he also helped design the U.S. Post Office on N. Beach Street.
In 1935, Miriam graduated from Mainland High School. Not long after, she met William Redwood Wharton, grandnephew of Joseph Wharton, founder of the Wharton School of Finance in Philadelphia. In April of 1940, Miriam and Redwood were married. Together, they raised four children - Libby, Folger, Cathy and Lawrence. Over time, the couple grew apart, and in the late 1960’s, both remarried. Eventually, Miriam and her second husband, retired Navy Commander and local attorney, Albert E. Buschman, moved to Ormond Beach. The Buschman Building on W. Granada Boulevard bears his family name.
Throughout her life, Miriam enjoyed many interests, especially her love for animals. In the 1950’s, she joined the Greater Daytona Dog Fanciers Association, later serving as president of the organization. She also raised German Shepherds, several of which were show quality. Miriam later joined the Daytona Beach Cat Fanciers Association, which both she and Albert remained active in for many years. Miriam also raised and showed Himalayans, a breed that she was especially fond of. Horses, too, were of special interest to Miriam. Her favorite was a Tennessee Walker named Blue Lady, which she showed, winning first place in confrontation at a prestigious show horse competition.
Miriam had other interests and memberships as well, including the Daytona Beach Council - Navy League; the Halifax Yacht Club; and the Halifax Investment Club.
Miriam is predeceased by two husbands, Wm. Redwood Wharton, and Albert E. Buschman; her parents, A Folger and Ruth Snow; her sister, Sara Snow Windrem; three children, Ruth Elizabeth Wharton, Redwood Folger Wharton and William Lawrence Wharton; and stepdaughter, Betty Buschman.
Survivors include her daughter, Catherine Wharton of Ormond Beach; three grandchildren, Larry Wharton of Port Orange, and sister, Ashleigh Lynch of Golita, California; Brian Wells of Port Orange; plus, three great-grandchildren, one nephew and two nieces.
Funeral services for Miriam Buschman were held November 1, 2023, at the Seabreeze United Church in Daytona Beach, followed by interment at Daytona Memorial Park.
