Native of Boston and Resident of Pittsburgh

RUTH VERONICA (HEALY) BUCKLEY was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the first child of Ruth V. and Leonard G. Healy. She died peacefully of natural causes, at the age of 95, on February 2, 2025, at her cherished home at the Haven surrounded by her very large, loving family who were all by her side.

Ruth graduated from Our Lady of the Elms College, Chicopee, MA (1951), and she received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005.

She met and fell in love with her professor and future husband, Dr. Frank Buckley, while pursuing her M. Ed in Counseling in Boston. She and Frank were married in 1957 and raised six daughters, while living in Worcester, Massachusetts, then Pittsburgh after 1970 where Frank taught at Duquesne University. He preceded her in death in 1982.

An educator, counselor, and avid poet, Ruth taught in the Boston Public Schools and later at Sacred Heart High School. She worked in nonprofit management, at Carlow University, and retired from a full and rewarding career with the Allegheny County Library Association, where she gave many inspiring workshops and lectures.  Throughout her life, Ruth cherished the little things: Sitting with her back in the sunshine, afternoon tea, a walk with a friend, coffee and conversation, listening to music, reading, writing, and the lost art of correspondence.

She will be remembered for her positive and inclusive nature and her great sense of humor.

Ruth is survived by her six daughters: Terri Anderson, Jacqueline (Charles) Llewellyn, Jane (John) Yallum, Marlene Buckley (Dan McCaffrey), Monica Gaydos (John Anderson) and Kara (Andrew) Snyder.

Ruth leaves behind nine grandchildren who were the "Joy and Light of her Life."

Nicole Yallum, Hailey Llewellyn, Raiona Gaydos, Collin Anderson, Kate Llewellyn, Tara Llewellyn, Devon Anderson, Kaila Yallum, and Eli Snyder, and six beloved great-grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her friend, confidant and younger sister, Mary Maher. Other siblings precedent in death are Jane Allen, Leonard Healy, and James (Seamus) Healy. Ruth will also be deeply missed by many much-loved nieces,nephews, and cherished friends.

A Mass of Remembrance will be held at The Chapel of The Holy Spirit at Duquesne University on February 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. followed immediately by a "Celebration of Life" reception for family and friends.

Memorial contributions in Ruth's name may be made to:

The Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, or Breakthrough T1D (Juvenile Diabetes)

.