Bernice E. Buck

April 20, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bernice Ester Buck of Syracuse, New York. She died at age 100 on April 20th, surrounded by her beloved family. Predeceased by her parents, Ester and Frank Nolan, her husband, Lyman A. Buck Jr. and her sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Birdseye. Bernice is survived by her children, Lyman A. Buck III (Janette), Linda Ciaccia, Mary Buck (Eileen Sweeney), Christine Daly (Gregory Daly), John Buck (Linda Stott), and Kathleen Buck-Hinkle. Her 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Bernice was born in Rochester, New York on November 12, 1923 at Highland Hospital. After the depression hit, her grandfather closed his Rochester Fabric Store and her family moved to Syracuse, NY, when she was 7. She attended North High School. After graduation, she worked for the Post Standard in the Advertising Dept and for the NY Telephone Co. as an information operator. She met her husband, Lyman in High School. They were married in 1943 and moved to Fort Myers, Fl. Lyman was stationed there in the US Army Air Corp during WWII. While she was in Ft. Myers, she worked for the US Government Army Air Signal Core as a telephone operator. She and Lyman moved back to Syracuse in 1945, where Bernice worked for Haberle Brewery (Congress Beer) for 5 years. After she had her first child, she became a homemaker. They were blessed with six children. While her children were young, she taught an Adult Education Sewing night class. Bernice loved to sew clothing for her family and made all of her drapes at her home. She inherited her love for sewing from her mother and grandfather, which she passed down to her family. Her father worked for the Herald Journal. Bernice was an avid volunteer in her community. During her lifetime, she was on the Boards of St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary and the Girl Scouts of Onondaga. NY. Bernice was a girl scout leader for her daughters too. She was also on the Salem Hyde, Lincoln Jr. High and Lincoln HS Parents Associations. She served as a volunteer at the St. Joseph's thrift store for 5 years. She also belonged to three Garden Clubs, and was the past President of the Onondaga Garden Club, Garden Center and Garden Club of Syracuse. She loved to garden and her own garden on Sedgwick Road was featured on the Garden Club tour a few years ago. Bernice was an avid golfer and played in a golf league every week for 35 years, at Sunny Crest Gold Course where afterwards they enjoyed lunch. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her family was the most precious gift she could ever have received. She led a happy and fulfilling life because of the blessings God had given her.

As a long parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church, she was on the committee as a volunteer baker for the luncheons served after funerals. Bernice was a friend to all and a terrific listener. She was a gift to her neighbors and became known as the "Mayor of Rugby Road". She lived in the red house on the corner for over 44 years. She knew everyone on the street and welcomed them to the neighborhood. She cared about others and always included anyone who had no where to go on a holiday. Her home was filled with friends and they were always welcome. Bernice loved to entertain and threw the best parties! Her secret to longevity was taking good care of herself, exercise, healthy eating and having blueberries and bananas every day. She was an avid reader, decorating her home (for every holiday), gardening, cooking, sewing and playing cards. Recently she started knitting scarfs for the homeless Veterans. The family wishes to thank the tireless efforts of her wonderful caregivers, Claire, Kelly and Lila. Words can't express how much we appreciate all of the love and care you gave to our mother. Also thank you to Hospice for being there in her final weeks and guiding. A private funeral was held on May 6th . A Celebration of Life for her friends and family will be announced in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernice's memory to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208 or to the Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry, 3127 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13206.