Obituary of Mary Sutton Buckert

In Memory of Mary Joan “Mary Jo” Sutton Buckert (Aug 3^rd, 1934- August 29^th, 2023)

With the vocal ability to hold an endless high C that could shake a holy church’s steeple and awaken the parishioners during a midnight mass rendition of O Holy Night, Mary Buckert shared her soprano voice and love of music with others. Understanding that she’d been bestowed with a special gift from the Lord, she cherished her ability and selflessly shared it. Chosen by a nun in 8^th grade, who spotted her natural talent, she was told that she had a gift and would train her to be a soloist.  Known as Mary Jo back then, her first 8^th grade solo was Pontius Angelicus. She continued to sing this hymn during her 89 years for her family, in churches, at weddings and funerals, for fundraisers, and even in numerous piano bars all over New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.  No matter where she sang, there was always at least one eye tearing up and many mouths agape in wonder at the strength and clarity of her beautiful voice.

Only two months ago, Mary was still singing and hitting a high C in her home to the delight of her dear dog, Daisy, her loving caregiver Maria, sweet hospice nurses, and her loving daughter, Laurie.  The last song she sang was the Ave Maria, one of her favorite songs because of her devotion and love of the Blessed Mother. With music all around her, the people she loved holding her, and her dog Daisy who she adored with all her heart, Mary peacefully and faithfully passed on Tuesday evening, August 29^th  . She was surrounded by pure love and into pure love she surrendered.

Mary was born on August 3rd, 1934, in Moorestown, NJ to Esther and Patrick Sutton joining her older sisters by 8 and 10 years, Alice Sutton and Bette Juliana. They grew up with a full house of close relatives filled with music, laughter and love. Mary graduated from Moorestown High School in 1951 with honors. She treasured her high school years and, until recently, could still complete the NYT crossword puzzle in record time. Following graduation, Mary attended a technical school and was hired by the President of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Following her dream to work on Capitol Hill, she moved to Washington D.C. to serve as an Administrative Aid to Congressman Clark MacGregor (MI, 3^rd District) where she was challenged, grew in her career, and had the time of her life.  Known for her wit, professionalism, and beauty, she was both Miss Philadelphia Phillies and Miss Capitol Hill, sweet honors bestowed and recognized during the decade in which she worked.

Mary met her beloved Walter J. Buckert, Jr. on a blind date set up by a colleague on the Hill who was also Walter’s older sister, JoAnn McDermott. They were married for 51 years and enjoyed a wonderful life of faith and love with consistent Friday night dinners out, which they will surely continue together in heaven. They are survived by their loving daughter, Laurie (Buckert) Grayson whom they adored; their devoted son-in-law, Bill Grayson; and their precious granddaughters; Katherine (Katie), Elizabeth (Elizabethy), and Caroline Grayson (Hugs) who grew up every summer with Mary and “Buddy” on the beach in Delaware. Mary was close to all those she held dear, including her nephew, Richard Juliana (Richie Rich) who remained a devoted, loving nephew and friend to her in her final years.

Mary will be remembered for her beautiful soprano voice, sense of humor and loving heart, as well as her passion for Notre Dame football, hosting parties of all kinds, cooking delicious meals to feed an army, needlepoint works of art, a love of fashion and her connection with giraffes, with whom she felt a shared sense of pride by always standing tall and strong throughout life’s trials. She was a beautiful, loving and kind person who will be forever missed and loved but who the Lord has welcomed home with loving arms and a key spot in His heavenly choir.  A funeral mass will be held for Mary on Saturday, September 2^nd, 11:00 AM, at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 46639 Algonkian Parkway, Sterling, VA 20165 managed by the Adams Green Funeral Home in Herndon, Virginia.