Barbara Rae Buckingham

1932 - 2024

Barbara Rae Buckingham, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 9, 2024, after a brief illness. A devoted educator, world traveler, artist, and cherished family member, Barbara lived a life dedicated to learning, service and creativity.

Barbara was born on January 27, 1932, in Union City, Indiana, to Ray E. and Edith A. (Wagner) Buckingham. Her name was a tribute to her mother's best friend, Mary Barbara Armstrong, the aunt of astronaut Neil Armstrong, and her middle name, Rae, honored her father.

She graduated as valedictorian from Union City West Side High School and went on to attend Hanover College, where she earned her bachelor's degree (cum laude) in 1954. At Hanover, she was the editor of the senior yearbook, Revonah (Hanover spelled backward), was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and served on the steering committee of The Public Affairs Forum. Barbara went on to Indiana University intending to pursue a law degree, but she ultimately discovered her passion for teaching and earned her master's degree in education from IU in 1956.

Barbara's teaching career began in Marion, Ohio, where she taught from 1956 to 1964 before joining the Peace Corps in its formative years. She prepared for her Peace Corps assignment at UCLA and then served in Ethiopia from 1964 to 1966. After her return, Barbara moved to Rochester, New York, where she worked as a social studies teacher until her retirement in 1995. Teaching in urban schools, she dedicated her career to empowering her students through education.

Barbara was an active community member, dedicating her time and skills to civic engagement and public service. She served on the governing board of the Rochester Returned Peace Corps Volunteers from 1968 to 1976 and participated in numerous local initiatives. She volunteered for the campaigns of Councilwoman Letvin in Gates, New York and Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. She was also involved with organizations focused on helping children, including the Mary Cariola Children's Center and Christian Heritage Homes, Hope Hall. She was a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Rochester Teachers Association, National Peace Corps Association, and Friends of Ethiopia. She was also affiliated with Gamma Sigma Pi, Alpha Phi Gamma, and Phi Gamma Nu, receiving the Outstanding Graduate Award in 1954. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Delaware, Ohio, and attended whenever she returned to central Ohio to visit family.

Barbara was a gifted artist who created beauty through painting and drawing. Her artwork included contributions to the Aldelphean at Hanover, as well as projects for the House of Mercy and Draper Center in Rochester. She especially loved cruising and traveling the world, often bringing back souvenirs from her adventures and surprising her family with gifts during the holidays. Notably, she was a passenger aboard the maiden voyage of the QE2, a trip she cherished as one of the many highlights of her travels.

Barbara had recently relocated from Rochester to Delaware, Ohio, to be closer to her family. She was preceded in death by her sister, Beverly (Wilbur) of Delaware, Ohio, and is survived by her siblings Edith Claire (Tom) of Whispering Pines, North Carolina, Susan (Daryl) of Delaware, Ohio, and Gene (Debbie) of Union City, Indiana. Seven nieces and nephews also survive her and will always remember her affectionately as "Aunt Barb."

Barbara's life will be celebrated Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 10 a.m. with graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery, 334 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, Ohio 43015; with Rev. Jennifer Eastman Hinkle, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Delaware, Ohio, as officiant.

Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.robinsonfuneralhomeinc.com.

The Robinson Funeral Home in Delaware is assisting the family with arrangements.