Patricia Eileen Buckley

Patricia Eileen Buckley (nee O'Callahan)—known affectionately as “Pat” to her many friends and “Pretty Pat” to her beloved late husband—passed away on February 2, 2026. A woman of deep faith, boundless energy, quick wit, and an open heart, Pat was born in Chicago, the daughter of Florence and Edward O’Callahan. She was the last of her siblings to be called home, preceded in death by Mary, Edward, Florence, Robert, and William.

A proud graduate of Mundelein College, Pat began her professional life as a teacher. She possessed a natural empathy for the "loners" and the "problem kids," dedicating herself to ensuring every student felt seen and supported. Though she eventually left the classroom to raise her own family, her vocation as a teacher and mentor never truly ended; it simply moved into the heart of her community.

For 62 years, Pat was the beloved wife and partner of the late Justice Robert Chapman Buckley. Together, they built a life in Arlington Heights centered on faith, family and service. Their home was a sanctuary of hospitality, legendary for its open door to friends, neighbors, and kin.

Pat’s faith was a guiding principle of her life. She was a force of nature, and at St James Parish she was a constant thread in the fabric of the parish, serving as one of the founding organizers of the parish annual musicals. Over the course of 30 productions, she served first as the “costume lady,” moving into subsequent roles of producer, and fundraiser. However her true role was that of a community builder. To Pat, these musicals were her “ministry.” She had a legendary gift for recruitment, convincing everyone from the shyest neighbor to the busiest friend to join the stage, the pit orchestra, or the stage crew. She believed firmly that there was a place for everyone to participate and belong. Her dedication to the arts took her to St Viator High School, where she spent several years in similar roles for numerous musical theater productions.

Her philanthropic spirit extended to Holy Family Hospital and various boards and community organizations. When she wasn't organizing a fundraiser, running a casting call or fitting a costume, Pat could be found on the golf course, in her gardens, enjoying a lively party, or enjoying her friends at Allied Arts of Arlington Heights. She loved a good celebration, and her presence was always a spark that helped to make an evening shine.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children: Gabrielle (David), Robert, Peter (Donna), Patrick (Shelly), and Jacqueline (Jaime). She was the treasured “Mimi” to her grandchildren Patrick Jr., Daire, Morgan, Brendan, Connor, Tara, Jenna (Jason), David, James, Megan, Matthew (Linnea), and great grandchildren Presley and Vera, as well as a beloved aunt, cousin, neighbor and friend to many.

The world might be a bit dimmer without her, but we imagine the "Greatest Show" is currently in rehearsals in heaven. Pat is likely backstage, making sure everyone’s costume fits perfectly, before she finally takes her seat next to “Da Judge" to watch the curtain rise—or perhaps, he’s already leading "Pretty Pat" onto the dance floor for one more cha-cha-cha.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Lucy, Katerina, Airin, Zaria, Darshankumar (DK), Dr. Adam Cohen-Lewe, the Drury Lane gang, and the team at Residential Healthcare, whose compassionate care and friendship provided "Pretty Pat" with great comfort, and allowed her to face her final days with dignity and grace.

Visitation, Sunday, February 15, 2026, 11:00am to 5:00 pm at Glueckert Funeral Home 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. A second visitation will take place on Monday, February 16, 2026, 9:00am at St. James Catholic Church 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004 until time of funeral mass at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Patricia’s honor to the Catholic Extension Society, (catholicextension.org) or Loyola’s Gannon Center for Women and Leadership (luc.edu/gannon)