The Laurentian community suffered a great loss on Sunday, January 12, when University Chaplain, Reverend Kathleen Buckley lost her life to a battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones in the home of her partner, Shaun Whitehead, when she passed. Rev. Buckley was a beloved presence on campus, having worked at St. Lawrence for almost 20 years. 

In a letter to the St. Lawrence community, President Fox accurately expressed the significant impact Kathleen had on the St. Lawrence community:

“She was a pillar by every measure, one to lean on, one to look up to, and one to remember in despair. Kathleen was especially gifted and skillful in caring for people as individuals, people in small groups, and in particular communities of experience. Her work as a teacher in the study of human relationships was expressed in the practice of mediation, restoration, and healing.”

Kathleen’s impact reached almost every corner of campus, opening the chapel, her office, home and heart to anyone who needed it. President Fox reflects, “her affection for international students was evident every Thanksgiving when dozens would shuttle out to her home in the woods for a feast, much of it coming from Kathleen’s impressive garden.” Additionally, her “Build Your Own Beliefs” program also allowed students to explore their spirituality without judgement or guidelines, truly making her ministry one of tolerance, acceptance, and exploration.

A celebration and remembrance of Kathleen Buckley’s life will be held in Gunnison Memorial Chapel on Sunday, February 2 at 1:00pm. Until then, please consider leaving a memory on the University website and/or donating to the memorial fund established in honor of Kathleen. The fund will benefit students, programs, and the community surrounding Gunnison Memorial Chapel. 

Below are some personal memories from Laurentians touched by Kathleen’s life:

Kathleen was such a beautiful person, inside and out. At the beginning of the semester she gave one of the most memorable moments to many of us student workers from the Admissions Office. She gave us a beautiful tour of the stained glass windows in the chapel. I never expected a more beautiful, intriguing experience in the chapel, but Kathleen made it that way. She had a way of inspiring us all and is one of the most calming people I have ever been around. We enjoyed the chapel so much and she gave us some of her enthusiasm, and she ended the tour by allowing us to ring the bells. Her energy will be missed, but she is truly an inspiration to many!

Amber Stickney ’21

This is such unexpected and sad news. Kathleen was a genuinely kind and caring person. I count her as a friend. When I was going through a difficult time, she listened and gave me words of comfort, and good advice. We will all miss her very much.

Neil Forkey, Canadian Studies

To say that I am grateful for Kathleen Buckley’s presence on campus is quite the understatement. Not only did Kathleen open her office doors to students in need, but she helped create an environment in the chapel that allowed it to truly feel like a safe space. There is no other place on campus that I feel such a comfort, and Kathleen contributed greatly to it. There was a time last year where I felt so low that I simply did not know who else to turn to on campus except Kathleen. I reached out for help, remembering a time when a good friend had done the same to get through a troubled time. Kathleen was willing to listen to me and offer guidance; I found solace in Kathleen’s office that I could not find anywhere else on campus. Her empathy carried me through the rest of the year. I will forever remember Kathleen for her work on campus and in the greater Canton community.

Natalie Pontikes ‘20

I first met Kathleen during international orientation at the start of my freshman year. She provided a fantastic welcome to myself and my classmates and was the epitome of what a member of the St Lawrence Community should aspire to be. My favourite memory was having the privilege to have my first thanksgiving meal at her house with my fellow international students, a tradition she hosted annually. I will miss your bright presence and our conversations.  Rest in peace, Kathleen.

William Waller ‘22

Kathleen had always been a bright figure in my time at St. Lawrence. From her attentive and caring assistance when helping the Dub host Take Back the Night, to providing guidance and healing with an open heart and unending generosity during a stressful time in my life, to providing the most delightful tour of the chapel windows, Kathleen was a gift to this community.

Kate Angus ‘20

Kathleen’s warmth and compassionate wisdom touched the lives of so many in countless positive ways, large and small. She always fought for love, empathy, and justice in all she did, and made our campus and our world immeasurably kinder and better places through her presence and care. I am so grateful to have known her, to have worked with her and learned from her. She will be very dearly missed.

Karl Schonberg