OBITUARY: Mary Ann Buckley, 79, of Monroe

MONROE, CT — Mary Ann Obbagy Buckley, 79 of Monroe, CT passed away on February 11, 2017 surrounded by her family. She leaves behind her husband Thomas M. Buckley of 57 years, four children Thomas Buckley and partner Cecil of Greensboro, NC; Mark Buckley and wife Denise of Monroe, CT; Thorel Mead and husband Lawrence of Postenkill, NY; Cathy Pettinella and husband Gary of Shelton, CT; 8 wonderful Grandchildren, Nicole Buckley, Elizabeth Teixeira and husband Kris, Carra Buckley, Kayla Buckley, Taylor Buckley, Joshua Mead, Leslie Mead and Emily Pettinella and two great grandchildren, Logan and Enzo Teixeira.

Mary Ann was born in Bridgeport, CT, on May 23, 1937 to Anna and Frank Obbagy. She was the oldest of three children. She is survived by her sisters, Barbara Sydiskis and Lynn Olesky both of Maryland. Mary Ann and Thomas were married on April 11, 1959 in Bridgeport, CT. They were residents of Newtown, CT for 36 years where they raised their four children. Several years after they moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where they lived for 19 years. In 2013, missing their children, they returned back home and became residence of Monroe, CT. Mary Ann worked for Berol Corporation in Danbury, CT. She volunteered for years in South Carolina for Catholic Charities. She loved her crafts and helping children, from making them backpacks at the beginning of the school year to simple bookmarks that they could remember her by. When she moved back to CT she still took interest in taking care of children and donating to St. Vincent's De Paul in Derby, CT. Mary Ann's first priority was her family. She loved being with her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. They brought her so much joy, love and laughter. Her love of crocheting and knitting, since she was 11, brought her much happiness and pleasure. She made baby sweaters, hats, scarves, mittens and blankets for her loved one's and so many others who were blessed to receive a special gift of her love. She would do whatever she could to help her family and people in need, especially children less fortunate. She was a giver!

Her husband, Tom, was the love of her life. He meant the world to her. They were inseparable. They enjoyed being with friends and having Christmas parties in June. Tom will miss her dearly.Burial services will be held on April 11, 2017 at St Rose Cemetery in Newtown, CT.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude's Children Hospital, www.Stjude.org or St. Vincent De Paul, 237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby, CT 06418. Both charities meant the world to her.Her Husband, Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren will miss her so very much and cherish all of the wonderful memories. She will be forever in our hearts. We love you Grandma!

Obituary and photo courtesy of the Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home.