Carol Buckley

Carol R. Buckley, 91, of Route 9 North, Plattsburgh, New York, passed away on Mother's Day, May 11, 2025 at Meadowbrook Healthcare in Plattsburgh, with her daughter and family by her side.

Born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1933, in the front parlor of the family home on Main Mill Street in Plattsburgh, Carol was the sixth and ultimately the middle child of George Francis and Mary Frances (Harvey) Wells. She was originally named Sydney Ruth Wells in honor of the doctor who delivered her and several of her siblings. Her brothers and sisters affectionately nicknamed her "Christmas Carol," a name she embraced by legally changing it to Carol at age 16.

Carol grew up at 41 Main Mill Street, surrounded by a close-knit neighborhood of mostly family. She graduated from Our Lady of Victory High School in 1953 and worked at the Strand Theater throughout her school years.

Carol met her future husband, Leland George Buckley, at the Korina Restaurant in Plattsburgh. They were married at Our Lady of Victory Church on October 22, 1955, followed by a reception at the very place they met—the Korina. Their greatest joy came with the birth of their daughter, Kathy Ann.

Carol and Lee were entrepreneurial partners, building and operating Buckley’s Cabin and the Gateway Motel, originally constructed for Expo ’67 in Montreal. The property would later become Gateway Apartments on Route 9. They also owned and operated Buckley’s Store on Irish Settlement Road, where Carol was affectionately known by the community as “Mrs. Buckley” until her retirement in 1994.

A lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Victory Church, Carol was devoted to her faith and family. She and Lee enjoyed traveling to Florida, Myrtle Beach, Branson (Missouri), Cape Cod, and Maine. Carol cherished spending time with her siblings, sharing weekly lunches and Sunday church together.

Carol was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband Lee; and her siblings Sheila, Joan, Geraldine, Veronica, Katherine, and Reginald.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Bennett, and her husband Warren; two grandsons who lovingly called her “Shorty”: Ryan (Abby) Bennett, and Michael (Nikki) Bennett; four great-grandchildren: Jack, Kylian, Meredith, and Collins Bennett. She is also survived by her siblings: Lawrence (Sandi) Wells, Charles (Matilda) Wells, Mary Collins, and James Wells, along with many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday May 16, 2025 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday May 17, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church, with burial to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver Support Initiative or the Christmas Bureau.