Patricia Buckley
Patricia “Patsy” P. Buckley, 93, of Branch, a beloved mother, grandmother, and respected community member, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Patsy was born in Illinois in 1932, the daughter of Peter and Angeline and was their only child. She attended a catholic school where her early years were marked by a long daily walk, often covering the distance back home for lunch. At the age of 15, she and her mother and stepfather relocated to Branch where she would live for the rest of her life. Patsy was thrilled when attending Custer schools meant she could finally ride the bus!
A woman of community and charm, Patsy was immensely proud of her Polish and Lithuanian heritage, affectionately calling herself the “Polish Princess.” Her passion for her community shone through her work as the Branch Township treasurer, a position she held with dedication for 29 years. Patsy enjoyed visiting with taxpayers, many of whom came to her home, and would brighten their day by handing out pencils printed with a $100 bill. Patsy also proudly served as the treasurer for the Tallman Senior Center and was a member of the Western Michigan Electric Cooperative board.
Patsy’s kindness extended beyond people to her little bird friends, whose feeders she faithfully kept full, earning her their appreciation with frequent return visits. She also possessed an extraordinary talent: an eagle eye for four-leaf clovers. Patsy would spend hours searching the clover patches in her yard and could even spot them from inside her house! She lovingly pressed and laminated them, sharing them widely as “lottery insurance,” a gift treasured by many.
Patsy was preceded in death by her husband Donald; her son Jerry Jr.; and her parents Peter and Angeline.
Patsy will be greatly missed by her loving daughters Ginny and Denise (Will); and her son Don Jr. (Lucia). Her legacy lives on through her four grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, as well as her sister-in-law Charlene; brother-in-law Herb (Mary); and many cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Her family extends a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff at Medilodge of Ludington for ensuring her comfort, and to Elara Hospice for their absolutely wonderful support.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Patsy at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 17 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer with Rev. Jacob Zemaitis as celebrant. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Custer. Friends may meet with Patsy’s family on Friday morning from 10:00 am until time of Mass at the church. Those who wish to remember Patsy with a memorial donation are asked to please consider the Branch Township Fire Department, an organization Patsy and Donald always supported.
Please visit Patsy’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a memory or tribute of Patsy with her family.
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