Theresa V. Buckalew, of Claymont, Delaware, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 92 on July 11, in Wilmington, Delaware. Her beloved husband, Everett Bartley Buckalew, predeceased her in 1996. Theresa was born to Andrew and Elizabeth Vattilana and was one of seven children raised on the family mushroom farm.
Theresa graduated from Ursuline Academy in Wilmington, Delaware. She spent the majority of her career as the director of Young World Daycare and later retired from Cigna Insurance Company. Theresa also volunteered her time as a secretary to the Board of Directors at the Claymont Community Center. She believed in the power of community and often welcomed neighbors to gather on her porch.
Deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, Theresa practiced the Rosary prayer several times daily. She enjoyed cooking, ceramics, knitting, and crocheting.
Theresa was an example of unconditional love and forgiveness. One of her favorite quotes was, “Where there is life, there is hope.” She believed in second chances and was happiest when surrounded by her family for meals at her table.
She is survived by her son, William F. Buckalew (Bill), and his wife Leslie Graham Buckalew, and her daughter, Katherine N. Buckalew. She was predeceased by her daughter, Valerie Robin Kettlewood, in 2019. Theresa was blessed with seven grandchildren: Lauretta Lauer, Bruce Kettlewood, Anthony Kettlewood, Cody Kettlewood, Jacob Buckalew, Grace Buckalew, and Ava Buckalew. She was lovingly called “The Boss” by her five great-grandchildren: Andre, Kaige, Jordan, Braxxton, and Bella.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 18 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3710 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington where a memorial service will follow at 10:30 am. Inurnment will then follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Leader Dogs for the Blind, www.leaderdog.org or an autism charity of your choosing.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
