Emily Bula, a resident at The McGuire Group’s Harris Hill Nursing Facility in Williamsville, N.Y. (suburban Buffalo) prepared to ring in her 105th birthday (July 25, 2025)with a dream come true — a ride aboard the legendary Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls, N.Y., on July 24. “They asked me what I would like to do. This is what I wanted to do, so I’m doing it,” Bula told reporters after her ride. “It’s beautiful.”
During a heartfelt conversation, Tina Baker, assistant director of activities at Harris Hill, learned that Emily had always dreamed of experiencing the awe of Niagara Falls from the iconic boat ride. Moved by Emily’s story, Tina reached out to the Maid of the Mist team, who enthusiastically partnered with the facility to turn this long-held wish into reality. Emily will board one of the Maid of the Mist’s all-electric, zero-emission e-boats, the first of their kind in North America.
Maid of the Mist President Christopher Glynn will welcome Emily on board and presented her with Maid of the Mist gifts. “Emily’s visit proves that it is never too late, and you are never too old to ride Maid of the Mist.”
Born on July 25, 1920, in Michigan, Emily (née Buczko) has lived a life rich in family, faith and community. She has been a resident at Harris Hill Nursing Facility for two years and continues to inspire those around her with her energy, humor, and her love of dancing — especially the Polka.
Very appropriately, Emily met her husband Joseph on the dance floor, and the couple shared 53 joyful years together. “It was 19 cents for the dance, and beer was only 3 cents,” Emily fondly recalls. The Bula Family built their home in Tonawanda in 1954 and resided there for many years. A hardworking woman with a heart for service, Emily held several jobs in department stores and at ACME, where she cherished working with people. Joseph worked at Dunlop and served as a New York State umpire.
Although Emily’s husband and their son, Dick, have passed away, their memories continue to live on through Emily’s stories. Emily has lived through more than a century of history with grace and optimism. Her hobbies include sewing, gardening, and jewelry-making, and she was still driving until the age of 101. In fact, her driver’s license is valid until August! She’s been a proud AAA member for over 50 years, never once having an accident, earning herself a free year as a reward.
A lifelong volunteer, Emily began working with the Ladies of Charity in 1962 and managed their thrift store for 25 years. She was also a devoted parishioner at St. Andrew’s Church in Kenmore.
Emily attributes her longevity to keeping busy, eating healthy and enjoying a daily four-ounce glass of red wine. Her favorite motto? “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” When not dancing, you can find her indulging in her favorite treat — chocolate, especially dark (but she won’t turn down milk chocolate either).
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