Mary Ethelene Bucy

Ethelene was born on July 9, 1934 in Lubbock, Texas to James Fred Bucy and Sena Ethel Mongomery Bucy. She is survived by her brother J. Fred Bucy; niece, Diane Gruber; other family members and many dear friends.

A woman of varied accomplishments, from becoming a glider pilot, to excavating in the Balearic Islands, mountain climbing in Peru, being an early Outward Bound participant and meditating at an Ashram in India in earlier years, she recently became an expert in mycology, butterfly culture and bee-keeping.

Ethelene taught art and art history for 15 years at St. John's School in Houston, and after her retirement she began her own business, Loving Pals, devoted to animal and plant care. She reserved a great love for her many animals who will miss her: Zoe, Natasha, Georgie, Woodstock and Cass. Special thanks go to her friend, Maria Rosario Loredo and her family.

Ethelene also belonged to MENSA and her college degrees: Architecture degree from Texas Tech and MFA from UT.

“Until her illness disallowed her participation a few years ago, Ethelene was active in many dog-related non-profit organizations. One of her earlier loves was Canine Critters. As a Team Leader she coordinated nursing home visits with her beloved pets. She was also active with local Terrier and the G.C.Shorthaired Pointer Clubs.

Her major interest and love was with the Houston Obedience Training Dog Club (HOT Dog Club) where she served as a Board member, Obedience instructor, and Flyball Team Captain. She coordinated HOT’s demonstrations and educational events for many years. In 1996 she was honored with HOT's "Member of the Year" award.

Over the years she owned and loved a Welsh Terrier, Briard, 3 German Shorthaired Pointers, and a Jack Russell Terrier. She and her dogs earned more than 20 titles in obedience, tracking, flyball, hunting, breed championships, earth dog and agility.

She got a kick out of "naughty" dogs. I guess they reminded her of herself since she was a "special spirit" in love with nature and animals. She was a part of our lives for many years, and the dog fancy will miss her. “

Friends in Houston are planning an outdoor memorial gathering and service on Saturday, October 16th at ten o'clock in the morning at Unitarian Fellowship Church, 1504 Wirt Road (at Shadyvilla Lane) Houston, Texas 77055, (713) 686-5876, and please note, leashed dogs are welcome.

The family is planning a memorial gathering and service on Monday, October 18th in Brownfield, Texas, at ten o'clock in the morning, where Ethelene will be laid to rest with family member's who have preceded her in death.

Private cremation arrangements are under the direction of Waltrip Funeral Directors in Houston, Texas.

A graveside service, to be announced, will be planned at a later time in Brownfield, Texas.