Patricia Buckley
November 11th, 1941 – February 16th, 2026

Patricia Mary (Tallman) Buckley passed away on February 16, 2026 at 84 years young. While her passing was unexpected, she did not suffer. She was just three days shy of celebrating her 60th wedding anniversary with her beloved husband, James Robert Buckley — a milestone that beautifully reflected a lifetime of devotion and love.

Patricia graduated high school from The Mary Louis Academy Queens, New York where she met James 'Jim' Buckley but it wasn't until St. Johns University where fate brought her and Jim back together and the rest is history.

Patricia's greatest passion was children; dedicating her life to nurturing young minds as an elementary school teacher and later substitute teacher, touching countless lives with her patience, warmth, and steady encouragement. Her commitment to serving children extended beyond the classroom as President of the Christ Child Society, where she worked tirelessly to support those in need. Wherever she was, Patricia naturally gravitated toward children always happiest sitting at the "kids' table," listening, laughing, and making each child feel seen and valued.

Patricia was a die-hard fashionista always dressing to the nines and never without lipstick.  It's never been proven, but Jim is convinced she helped Saks Fifth Avenue and Nieman Marcus stay in business for so long.  Pat also loved a ladies lunch where she made it a point to remember birthdays, anniversaries, vacations, gossip, etc. A firm believer in giving presents, Patricia never let you go away empty handed.

She was a lifelong Elvis fan since meeting the King at the age of 14 backstage at the Ed Sullivan Show.  The song 'Polk Salad Annie' was always on rotation at the Buckley's much to Jim's pleasure ;-).  Patricia loved good conversation and telling VERY DETAILED stories;  "Just one more…" she'd say.

Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the best mother to daughter, Kristen Buckley Sampson, and son, Micheal Drew Buckley, offering unwavering love, guidance, and support throughout their lives.  She was a cherished "Mimi" to grandchildren James and Charlotte, and a loving surrogate "Grandma Mimi" to Sophie and Emilie. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she poured her heart into every moment spent with them.

Patricia was also a loyal and treasured friend to many. Her kindness, compassion, and genuine interest in others created lifelong bonds. She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and the many children whose lives she helped shape.

Her legacy lives on in the love she gave so freely to the countless lives she touched with her generous heart.

She is survived by her husband James, daughter Kristen and husband Andrew Sampson, son Micheal Drew and wife Cyndi, their children James and Charlotte Buckley.  Patricia's parents were Kathleen McGorty and Robert Tallman from New York.  She is also survived by her sister Kathleen (Tallman) Bracken and Family, brothers Robert Tallman and Ellis Tallman and their families.

Mimi has left the building.