Margaret Ann “Margy” Buckingham, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, at the age of 86, after facing uterine cancer with remarkable grace and strength. Born on November 24, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, Margy lived a life defined by faith, family, community, and an unwavering spirit of joy.
Margy grew up alongside her beloved younger brother, Ron, with whom she shared a lifelong bond. Their relationship remained close throughout her life—filled with weekly phone calls, frequent visits, and decades of cherished family gatherings. After graduating from El Cerrito High School in 1957, she attended the University of California, Berkeley, where a chance meeting at a Newman Center dance changed her life forever. It was there she met George Buckingham, the man who would become her husband and partner for 56 years. They married in 1967 and built a life rooted in love, faith, and shared adventure.
Together, Margy and George raised their twins, Ann and Michael, who were the center of her world. Margy poured her heart into motherhood—volunteering at every activity, driving to countless practices and rehearsals, and cheering from the sidelines at games, swim meets, and recitals. She later became the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren, each of whom she adored. She attended their events and celebrations with boundless enthusiasm, always their biggest fan.
Margy’s commitment to education continued throughout her life. She returned to school while raising her family and earned her degree from San Jose State University in 1980. Professionally, she dedicated 25 years to Kaiser Permanente, working in Human Resources in San Rafael and Rancho Cordova. Through hard work and determination, she rose from an administrative role to Personnel Director, earning the respect of colleagues who admired her integrity, compassion, and leadership.
Outside of work, Margy embraced life with energy and curiosity. She loved tennis, golf, camping, backpacking, and cross-country skiing. She was an avid traveler with an adventurous streak—having spent a year exploring Europe on her own in her twenties, a story she shared with pride and humor. Wherever she lived—Fremont, Sonoma, or Carmichael—she built community. After retiring, she volunteered widely, joined a book club and water aerobics, became active in the Red Hat Society, and, alongside George, participated in the Elks Club, Travellin’ Elks of Chico, and St. John’s Church.
Margy had a competitive spirit and a sharp mind, especially when it came to games. Bridge was her passion, and she played three to four times a week until her health declined. She treasured her bridge groups and even started one at her assisted living facility while recovering from surgery, teaching others to play and returning every Monday even after she moved home.
Music brought Margy tremendous joy. She loved to sing and dance, was a member of the Sweet Adelines, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy a good show. Her first concert was Elvis Presley in 1959, a memory she cherished.
Margy was known for her impeccable style—never leaving the house without makeup, coordinated outfits, and matching earrings. She loved the color pink, Christmas traditions, eggnog, and making cut out cookies. She collected White House Christmas ornaments for 25 years, proudly displaying them each holiday season. She enjoyed a good dirty martini, especially on Sunday nights with her family.
Her resilience was extraordinary. Margy faced cancer three times over eight years with quiet courage, deep faith, and a refusal to let illness define her days. Even after her latest diagnosis of cancer, she continued to play bridge, get her hair and nails done, meet friends for lunch, and live life as fully as she could. She rarely spoke of her illness, choosing instead to focus on joy, connection, and gratitude.
Margy is preceded in death by her husband, George. She is survived by her children Ann (husband Matt) Wokas and Mike (wife Anne) Buckingham; her eight grandchildren—Eddie and Robbie Wokas; and Blakeley, Graydon, Britton, Lachlan, Huntley, and Langley Buckingham; her brother, Ron (wife Maureen) Sykora; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives she touched with warmth, humor, and generosity.
Margy leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and joyful living. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with George and free from pain. As her ringtone—“Let the Good Times Roll”—so perfectly captured, Margy embraced life with spirit and optimism. May we honor her by doing the same.
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Margy grew up alongside her beloved younger brother, Ron, with whom she shared a lifelong bond. Their relationship remained close throughout her life—filled with weekly phone calls, frequent visits, and decades of cherished family gatherings. After graduating from El Cerrito High School in 1957, she attended the University of California, Berkeley, where a chance meeting at a Newman Center dance changed her life forever. It was there she met George Buckingham, the man who would become her husband and partner for 56 years. They married in 1967 and built a life rooted in love, faith, and shared adventure.
Together, Margy and George raised their twins, Ann and Michael, who were the center of her world. Margy poured her heart into motherhood—volunteering at every activity, driving to countless practices and rehearsals, and cheering from the sidelines at games, swim meets, and recitals. She later became the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren, each of whom she adored. She attended their events and celebrations with boundless enthusiasm, always their biggest fan.
Margy’s commitment to education continued throughout her life. She returned to school while raising her family and earned her degree from San Jose State University in 1980. Professionally, she dedicated 25 years to Kaiser Permanente, working in Human Resources in San Rafael and Rancho Cordova. Through hard work and determination, she rose from an administrative role to Personnel Director, earning the respect of colleagues who admired her integrity, compassion, and leadership.
Outside of work, Margy embraced life with energy and curiosity. She loved tennis, golf, camping, backpacking, and cross-country skiing. She was an avid traveler with an adventurous streak—having spent a year exploring Europe on her own in her twenties, a story she shared with pride and humor. Wherever she lived—Fremont, Sonoma, or Carmichael—she built community. After retiring, she volunteered widely, joined a book club and water aerobics, became active in the Red Hat Society, and, alongside George, participated in the Elks Club, Travellin’ Elks of Chico, and St. John’s Church.
Margy had a competitive spirit and a sharp mind, especially when it came to games. Bridge was her passion, and she played three to four times a week until her health declined. She treasured her bridge groups and even started one at her assisted living facility while recovering from surgery, teaching others to play and returning every Monday even after she moved home.
Music brought Margy tremendous joy. She loved to sing and dance, was a member of the Sweet Adelines, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy a good show. Her first concert was Elvis Presley in 1959, a memory she cherished.
Margy was known for her impeccable style—never leaving the house without makeup, coordinated outfits, and matching earrings. She loved the color pink, Christmas traditions, eggnog, and making cut out cookies. She collected White House Christmas ornaments for 25 years, proudly displaying them each holiday season. She enjoyed a good dirty martini, especially on Sunday nights with her family.
Her resilience was extraordinary. Margy faced cancer three times over eight years with quiet courage, deep faith, and a refusal to let illness define her days. Even after her latest diagnosis of cancer, she continued to play bridge, get her hair and nails done, meet friends for lunch, and live life as fully as she could. She rarely spoke of her illness, choosing instead to focus on joy, connection, and gratitude.
Margy is preceded in death by her husband, George. She is survived by her children Ann (husband Matt) Wokas and Mike (wife Anne) Buckingham; her eight grandchildren—Eddie and Robbie Wokas; and Blakeley, Graydon, Britton, Lachlan, Huntley, and Langley Buckingham; her brother, Ron (wife Maureen) Sykora; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives she touched with warmth, humor, and generosity.
Margy leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and joyful living. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with George and free from pain. As her ringtone—“Let the Good Times Roll”—so perfectly captured, Margy embraced life with spirit and optimism. May we honor her by doing the same.
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