Mary Buckler

Mary Buckler, over the course of her life, worked as a waitress, managed Point Loma Garage, worked as a secretary for Convair and later General Dynamics. Later on in life, she owned and managed Paulo's Coiffures in Claremont from 1965 to 1989. She lived all o ver the country and in Montreal, Quebec Canada for a year as well. She was the wife of Irv Buckler, mother to Barbara Mazzarini, grandmother to Cassie Zievers, Monica Fitzgerald, and Joe Mazzarini, and great grandmother to Julia Zay Hodge, Jesse Pauza, Nick Pauza, and Hannah Mazzarini. But this is all stuff and nonsense and barely scratches the surface of who she was. She was the driving force behind our family, the glue that held us together, and a force of nature all her own. She was my grandmother, and i n many ways, my second mother as well. She was kind of heart and generous of spirit in so many ways, and she knew what true caring is all about. She was born in Missouri, raised in Kentucky, and spent part of her childhood with her brothers and sisters in an orphanage after the death of her father. Her sister Dorothy remembers . . . God has blessed our family by keeping the brothers and sisters together until we reached our senior years. There were some large families from other orphanages who were taken across country by train to be separated by adoption. We have stayed very close and been able to have many family reunions. Our first family reunion was at Mary's house on Foothill Boulevard in La Verne. She has been a strong influence in our lives. I am so glad I was able to help her during the last few years. Her niece, Martha, adds . . . My Aunt Mary. She's always been in my life. She was always quick with a joke, and could remember them all. She loved to laugh, and to spread her laughter to everyone ar ound. Aunt Mary was always ready to help you. She would cook a big meal for everyone, loved to have the family around. She also helped our family through some trips to the hospital, to comfort a sick person or keep things running smoothly at home. Aunt Mary was a source of strength for us all. She was wise, intelligent, understanding, giving, and loving. I will miss her forever. Her sister-in-law, Roberta, remembers . . . Mary Louise was my favorite sister-in-law. She was the leader of the family and was always there to help you. She had a great sense of humor and kept us all happy and laughing. When we were ready to go she would say "Good-bye, and I pray for you daily." She also said weeks ago she was ready to be with the Lord. Mary truly was full of the spirit of the Lord. God bless her. We all love her and will miss her. Her niece, Jacki writes . . . AUNT MARY...the mere mention of her name conjures up memories and emotions of laughter, good food and family. She was the matriarch, the leader, the drivi ng force of our togetherness - be it Christmas, 4th of July, or a well-planned reunion. She possessed qualities of character including fortitude and kindness, even while gathering us for ski trips and camping. She had occasion to take "SOME" of us under her wing (and roof!) for shelter (and re-organizing too)!! Mary, your example and inner-strength will long-live within us. Thank you for the many contributions you have made to my life...love, Jacki Mary's niece, Mary, remembers . . . After Mary's passing, Jacki spoke of her as the Matriarch of the family, and she was. It was extraordinary that the sisters and brothers of Mary's family stayed so close. Out of all their families, Mary emerged as the Matriarch because Mary was at the root of all the gatherings and all the fun happenings, all the help to me personally and all the "melodrama" of our family. My earliest memory is of her imitating me at four or five years old, singing for nickels at her diner. She was singing, as I would, "She Wore a Yellow Wibb on" not pronouncing the "R". I remember when she lived on Scott Street but especially when she moved to West Covina. We saw Mary and her family almost every weekend. She was such a great cook and loved to have her family around. We were so fortunate that Mary kept the family together for wonderful Christmas', she always had a big house. Irv and Mary did great things like going to the Grand Prix races and skiing. We would not have enjoyed skiing as we do now if Mary had not included us into their ski trips of which we have wonderful memories. Mary loved to camp. She always put together great camping trips to the Santa Barbara Coast. It was wonderful having the extended family together for these trips. They wouldn't have happened without her. Mary made the most beautiful dress for my senior prom. She was an accomplished seamstress and would not shy away from working with sequins and lace. It was quite a dress and Mary did a beautiful job on it. Mary was an excellent cook and she really enjoyed cooking f or people. She loved to cook a nice meal, but most often she would not sit and eat it with us. Then she just wanted to relax with a hi-ball and the family around. Mary supported me personally many times. She helped me tremendously while I attended Cal Poly and lived in her guest house. She was like a second mother to me. I will remember Mary as a fun loving, positive and upbeat person who loved life and had a rich full life which she shared with us all. Mary was very generous to us and kept the family t ogether. We had wonderful fun and memories of her (and her stories). I am going to miss Mary so much. My only consolations are my memories of her and knowing Mary wanted to be with Irv. I love you Mary! She is a part of all of us and will be greatly missed. Viewing will be at Todd Memorial Chapel Thursday evening 20th of February from 5 to 9 p.m. Services will be at Todd Memorial Chapel Friday 21st of February at 11:30 a.m., graveside service to follow at La Verne Cemetery. Todd Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. d reunion. She possessed qualities of character including fortitude and kindness, even whiUU