Frances Mary Buckley

Mom was born on December 26, 1926 in New Bedford, Massachusetts to Frank and Eva Dunleavy. She grew up in New York City with one brother and three sisters. In the city Mom enjoyed going to Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History. Her family often spent hot summer days at local beaches, including Coney Island. She graduated from Julia Richmond High School and later held a job as a messenger in one of the city’s huge office buildings. No e-mail or text messaging in those days—she and her friend roller-skated around to the many offices delivering items that needed immediate attention! Roller-skating was a social activity for Mom, too, and one evening at a skating rink she met a young Marine, Bill Buckley. They were married in New York on January 4, 1947, the beginning of 65 years together! They boarded a train and headed across the country to Omaha. It surely didn’t occur to the city girl how different life would be in the central plains--or she might have reconsidered! She never could have imagined that she would end up living in—and treasuring—a home in the country for more than fifty years. Mom’s life centered on Dad, the three of us, and the large Buckley clan she married into that gathered so often at our home. Cooking, baking, and trying new recipes were some of Mom’s favorite activities, and no one who came to her kitchen left disappointed! The aroma of delicious food greeted family and visitors almost every time they entered. Part of Mom’s legacy is her love of cooking, as several of her children and grandchildren have carried on her traditions. She also taught by example her love of homemaking and creative arts like sewing and knitting. We have all enjoyed the clothes, toys, quilts, and afghans she has made over the years, and many others have benefited from these skills she taught us. Six grandchildren (and one grand-dog, we want to add) have been blessed to have our mom for a grandma. Among their many fond memories is playing games with her around the kitchen table. She was hard to beat in a heated game of Yahtzee or M & Ms poker! Grandma and Grandpa happily supported their young “stars” at dance recitals, games, school musicals, and theatre competitions whenever they could. These grandchildren now are bringing Fran’s ten (almost eleven!) great-grandchildren to the same home she made so loving and welcoming for them. Although it seemed like she was always busy taking care of us, we know that Mom found time to give to others, too. She worked tirelessly with Dad in their sign shop and screen printing business. She studied cosmetology, and for a time she worked in a beauty shop in Fremont—and, of course, giving free haircuts to family! She worked with our 4-H groups and with church groups. Later in her life she developed a keen interest in birds and loved watching them in the yard. She loved shopping with her daughters, and she loved playing dominoes with friends at the YMCA. We love you, Mom, and we love all that you left in us. John, Marcia and Jane

Frances Mary Buckley

December 26, 1926 - February 18, 2012