Mary was born February 12, 1934 in Yonkers, New York and peacefully passed away in her sleep on January 21, 2023, at her home in Farmington Hills, MI at age 88. Mary treasured strong family ties and was fortunate to have all of her children living nearby. She was a very loving, supportive mother and grandmother, always very proud of her family. She recently hosted large family gatherings for the holidays and attended the weddings of 2 of her grandchildren. Mary was a Medical Technologist and worked over 35 years at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, MI. She was an accomplished seamstress, creative knitter, and enjoyed needlepoint. She also loved nature and was especially fond of hummingbirds. The Buckley family lived the American adventure traversing the USA in a station wagon pulling a pop-up camper. Mary also ventured to places including Puerto Rico, Germany, France, Italy, and Medjugorje. Mary was computer savvy and learned how to keep up with friends and family on social media and monitor current events. She also loved food and collected many interesting recipes, leaving behind a large hand written collection. She loved her homemade Polish food such as golumpki, pierogi, nalesniki. She also loved corned beef and cabbage and enjoyed her St. Patrick’s Day green beer. Her family recipe for spaghetti and meatballs will live on with her children. Mary grew up in Taunton, Massachusetts spending her summer weekends on Cape Cod at her favorite Craigville Beach. After graduating from Taunton High School, she commuted by train daily to Northeastern University in Boston where she met her late husband, Walter. Mary’s first date with Walter was to a demolition derby and they continued their love of racing attending many car races such as the Indy 500, and the Daytona 500. Mary had a strong Catholic faith and believed in the power of prayer. She encouraged strong faith in her family and always had a rosary right beside her. She led a full life, touching many along the way.
Mary was pre-deceased by her husband, Walter and sister, Florence Cummings. She is survived by her children: Stephen (Denise) Buckley, Jeffrey (Linda) Buckley, Carolyn (the late John) Swiantek, Michael (Leeanne) Buckley, 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Donna (John) Crawford and four siblings-in-law, Gerard (Virginia) Buckley, Janice Gately Norton, and Sister Brenda Buckley.
A celebration of her beautiful soul will occur at Thayer-Rock Funeral home in Farmington, MI on Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. (Rosary Service at 6:30 P.M.) A funeral mass will take place at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Farmington, MI, on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. (In State at 9:30 AM).