Obituary of Kathleen Sullivan Buckley

Elmira: Age 65, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. A lifelong resident of Elmira, Kate was born on August 22, 1952, daughter of the late Mary (Marinan) and Thomas J. Sullivan of Elmira. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 36 years, Hon. Peter C. Buckley, Sr. and loving brother, John M. Sullivan. She is survived by her children, Peter C. Buckley, Jr. and wife, Erin of Devon, PA, and their children, Jack, Molly, Finn, and Nora; Elizabeth D. Buckley of Rochester, NY; Patrick S. Buckley, MD and wife, Kirsten of Philadelphia, PA; and Kathleen M. Buckley of Philadelphia, PA; her siblings and their families, sister-in-law Susan Sullivan of Norfolk, MA and children, Sandi (Bill), Meghan (Chris), and Joseph (Tania); Daniel and Roberta Sullivan of Medford Lakes, NJ, and daughter MacKenzie (Gavin) Graham; Thomas and MaryAnn Sullivan of Greenville, SC and children, Katie Sullivan and Courtney (John) Fisher. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ellen and Kevin McGuinn of Brooklyn NY, and children, Courtney (Tom), Katie (Brian), Kevin (Cristine) and Allison (Michael); Timothy and Eileen Buckley of Geneva NY, and children, Bridget (Dan), Annemarie, Mary, and Grace; Katie Buckley and husband Gordon Macklem of Malvern PA, and children Nicholas (Caitlyn) and Sadie; Ann and Carl Wenzel of Geneva NY, and children, Andrew (Angela), Caroline (Ryan) and Maureen (Ollie); Jerry and Anne Buckley of Geneva, NY, and children, Rebecca, Dillon, Madeline and Frances; and Kate's great nephews and nieces, Peter, Eleanor, Zoe, Dean, Drew, Timothy, Maggie, Nathaniel, Connor, Alexander, Emma, Jane, Kate, William, Samantha, Julia, Sophia, and Matthew. Kate graduated from Notre Dame High School (Elmira) in 1970 and went on to make lifelong friends at Manhattanville College, where she graduated in 1974 with a B.S. in Mathematics. Later, she obtained a Masters degree in Education from Mansfield University and followed with an administrative certification. Kate began teaching mathematics in 1974 and was an ardent supporter of education throughout her life. She worked at BOCES for over 30 years, finishing her career as a supervisor of adult literacy in 2013. Kate's life focused on her family, always bringing laughter and love into each day of her husband and children's lives. She enjoyed playing with her grandchildren and always had a toy waiting for them when they visited. She loved to play the piano and would lead family sing-a-longs at holiday gatherings. Kate recognized the importance of friendship and cherished the memories and laughter shared with her many friends. She was a long-time parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Parish and could often be heard singing in the church choir. Kate battled pancreatic cancer for five and a half years and her family will always be inspired by her courage and example, living life to the fullest each day. Her family recognizes her friends for their countless hours of loving care, friendship, and compassion. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira on Sunday, November 5, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for calling hours. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, Elmira. Interment, with committal prayers, will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember Kathleen with a donation to Holy Family Catholic School, 421 Fulton Street, Elmira, NY 14904 or to the American Cancer Society.