Kathleen Ann "Kathy" Buckley

1945 - 2021

Buckley, Kathleen "Kathy" Ann STEPHENTOWN On Thursday, July 8, 2021, Kathleen "Kathy" Ann Buckley passed away, at the age of 76. Kathy was born on February 27, 1945, in Alameda, Calif. to Patrick and Florence (Williams) Buckley. She received a Master of Science in nursing from Yale University in 1976. Kathy was a dedicated midwife always caring for women especially those who were at risk for an unhealthy pregnancy because of poverty, addictions or other stressors. She was the founder and nursing director of the Planned Parenthood of Clinton County and practiced midwifery at Lincoln Hospital in New York City. She was an associate in nursing at the Columbia Graduate School of Nursing prior to accepting a position at the New York State Department of Health in 1984. There she advanced policy as program coordinator for the promotion of breastfeeding; prevention of low-birth-weight infants; case management for substance abusing pregnant women; and utilization of home health aide services in maternal and infant health care. She was instrumental in the development of New York State standards and regulations for the in-hospital maternity code and alternative birth center regulations and guidelines. Prior to her retirement, Kathy continued her work in promoting healthy birth outcomes at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She was a loving and dedicated owner of many Afghan Hounds, including her beloved Rocky and Tonka. Kathy lived a quiet life at her remote retreat in Stephentown where she enjoyed birdwatching, gardening, reading and drinking tea brewed in her Belleek pot. Her infectious laugh and persuasive way will be missed. A gravesite ceremony will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery, 156 Mann Ave., Troy, on Friday, August 6, at 10 a.m. Donations in Kathy's memory may be made to the Stephentown Library or the Northeast Afghan Hound Rescue, P.O. Box 424, Hawthorne, MA, 09137.