Vera J. Buck went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday morning May 23, 2021. She passed away peacefully at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and is now reunited with her husband, John and son, Michael and other family members in heaven.
Vera was born June 9, 1928. in Amsterdam, N.Y., to Joseph F. Stevens and Lucy Cline Stevens. Vera went to Amsterdam Public Schools graduating high school in 1946. After graduation, Vera furthered her education by attending business school.
Vera had a love of writing and in 1951, during the Korean War she began corresponding with a friend. This friend introduced her to the love of her life who she began to correspond with. Vera would first meet John P. Buck in 1951, while he was on leave in New York City. They married on April 4, 1953 and had three children, raising them at 217 Mullet S., in Dunkirk, also known as Dutch Hill.
Vera worked at the State University of New York at Fredonia as a secretary for 20 years, retiring in 1988. Vera would enjoy many wonderful years in retirement. Vera was an avid reader and writer, prior to her retirement she traveled to England meeting her pen pals she had been corresponding with for two years. Vera kept in contact with her friends in England up until recently. Vera’s other hobbies included crocheting, photography and collecting dolls.
Vera enjoyed opera and classical music, as a young girl, her father would take her to the Metropolitan Theater in New York City to enjoy opera concerts. Vera would often laugh and say she was the only one in the family who liked opera, the rest of the family just tolerated it. At age nine, Vera began playing the piano and later would study organ in which she played into her later years. Vera played piano for Sunday school at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Dunkirk for 20 years, following this she played organ for Sunday services for another 20 years. Vera wrote the newsletter for church called St. John’s News and Views, was a Sunday school teacher, did publicity for the women’s fellowship and was a member of Rachel’s circle.
Vera is survived by her son, David P. (Mary Beth) Buck of Silver Creek; daughter, Christine L. Buck of Dunkirk; grandchildren: Corey C. Buck, Hamburg, Kenneth J. (Emily Fuchs) Long, Joseph M. (Megan Mackenzie) Long and Lauren M. (Brian Azarella) Pacos, all of Dunkirk and Benjamin A. (Felicia) Long, Stockton, N.Y.; greatgrandchildren: Arianna N. Long-Hobbs, Madison E. Pacos, Wesley J. Long, Mackenzie R. Long, Emma N. Long and Kenneth J. Long III. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Besides her parents, Vera was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, John P. Buck; her son Michael L. Buck; and sister, Lucy Daley.
Following the guidelines and protocols administered by the governor of New York, family and friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon, Thursday, May 27, at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held immediately after the calling hours at noon. Pastor Zoe Milliman will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredonia.
Memorials can be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ, 733 Central Ave., Dunkirk, NY 14048
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