Mary Lee Clementine Buckleitner
September 3rd, 1927 - November 7th, 2022
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Mary's Obituary
Mary Lee Clementine Hoos Buckleitner, 95, of St. Joseph, passed away, peacefully and at home, surrounded by her family on November 7, 2022
Mary Lee was born in LaPorte, Indiana on September 3, 1927, to Elmer Hoos and Lillian Clementine Pabst Hamlin Hoos.
Mary Lee attended Purdue University with the intention of graduating with the class of 1950. In the fall of 1949, however, she met Eric Leif Buckleitner, a Brooklyn born GI who was studying engineering. After a whirlwind romance and in their haste to marry, she postponed her education and eloped during her final semester. Eric and Mary Lee raised their six children in St. Joseph: Eric Michael (Sheila); Christian Leif; Thomas Howard (Mary); Warren William (Ellen Wolock); Anne Louise Clementine (Charles Knebl), and Carol Elizabeth (Edward McAtee), all of whom survive her. She is also survived by her sister, Alice Hoos. Her husband, Eric, and a brother, predeceased her.
Mary Lee modeled discipline, resilience, and hard work. She had a curious mind and a loving heart. She loved all animals, gardening, Benny Goodman (“the King of Swing”), photography, nature, camping at Ludington State Park, a quiet day, and the sun on her shoulders. She was a long time member of First Baptist Church of St. Joseph, and enjoyed her friends -- “The Beach Bums”. After raising her children she was proud of her return to formal education. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University, and a Master’s degree in education from Michigan State University. She taught at Immanuel Christian School and local elementary schools until her retirement.
Mary Lee is the proud grandmother of 13 who span the globe: Eric A. Buckleitner; Casey Buckleitner (Michelle); Daniel Buckleitner (Katlin); Eric C. Buckleitner; Katherine Buckleitner; Thomas J. Buckleitner (Brianne); Jillian Roth (Frank); Molly Buckleitner; Claire Clementine Morillo (Michael); Julia Knebl; Sarah Buckleitner (Jordan Youngmann); Jenna Buckleitner; and Allison McAtee.
She also has six great-grandchildren, another arriving imminently, and more to come. Eric and Mary Lee’s legacy lives on.
The family sends its thanks to Caring Circle’s hospice.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 11AM, at First Baptist Church, 902 Broad Street, St. Joseph, with Pastor Marlowe Fritzke officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, November 11, 2022, from 10AM until the time of the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 902 Broad Street, St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 269-556-9450.
Mary Lee was born in LaPorte, Indiana on September 3, 1927, to Elmer Hoos and Lillian Clementine Pabst Hamlin Hoos.
Mary Lee attended Purdue University with the intention of graduating with the class of 1950. In the fall of 1949, however, she met Eric Leif Buckleitner, a Brooklyn born GI who was studying engineering. After a whirlwind romance and in their haste to marry, she postponed her education and eloped during her final semester. Eric and Mary Lee raised their six children in St. Joseph: Eric Michael (Sheila); Christian Leif; Thomas Howard (Mary); Warren William (Ellen Wolock); Anne Louise Clementine (Charles Knebl), and Carol Elizabeth (Edward McAtee), all of whom survive her. She is also survived by her sister, Alice Hoos. Her husband, Eric, and a brother, predeceased her.
Mary Lee modeled discipline, resilience, and hard work. She had a curious mind and a loving heart. She loved all animals, gardening, Benny Goodman (“the King of Swing”), photography, nature, camping at Ludington State Park, a quiet day, and the sun on her shoulders. She was a long time member of First Baptist Church of St. Joseph, and enjoyed her friends -- “The Beach Bums”. After raising her children she was proud of her return to formal education. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University, and a Master’s degree in education from Michigan State University. She taught at Immanuel Christian School and local elementary schools until her retirement.
Mary Lee is the proud grandmother of 13 who span the globe: Eric A. Buckleitner; Casey Buckleitner (Michelle); Daniel Buckleitner (Katlin); Eric C. Buckleitner; Katherine Buckleitner; Thomas J. Buckleitner (Brianne); Jillian Roth (Frank); Molly Buckleitner; Claire Clementine Morillo (Michael); Julia Knebl; Sarah Buckleitner (Jordan Youngmann); Jenna Buckleitner; and Allison McAtee.
She also has six great-grandchildren, another arriving imminently, and more to come. Eric and Mary Lee’s legacy lives on.
The family sends its thanks to Caring Circle’s hospice.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 11AM, at First Baptist Church, 902 Broad Street, St. Joseph, with Pastor Marlowe Fritzke officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, November 11, 2022, from 10AM until the time of the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 902 Broad Street, St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 269-556-9450.
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