Irene A. Straka Buckla, Binghamton, N.Y., died Monday at Willow Point Nursing Home, Vestal, NY. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, John Buckla, Binghamton.
Born Dec. 5, 1928, in Olyphant, daughter of the late John and Mary Gurball Straka, she spent many years as a homemaker and Mom — raising her two sons in Endicott, N.Y. She grew up as a member of Holy Ghost Church, Olyphant, and was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Endicott, for many years.
Surviving are two sons, John D. Buckla and wife, Lynn Howard Buckla, Camillus, N.Y.; and Robert J. Buckla, Chicago; two grandchildren, Christine Buckla, Stillwater, N.Y.; and Adrienne Buckla, Camillus; a sister, Betty Straka Parnell, Belton, S.C.; sister-in-law, Irene "Lil" Straka, Olyphant; a godson and nephew, Robert Novajosky, Lauderhill, Fla.; many nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Straka Novajosky; and two brothers, Andrew Straka and Michael Straka.
Funeral services will be Saturday from the Michael P. Glinsky Funeral Home, 129 Grant St., Olyphant, with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick's Church, 200 Delaware Ave., Olyphant. Interment, All Saints Orthodox Cemetery, Peckville.
Family and friends may attend visitation Friday, 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Condolences: www.glinskyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Mount Irenaeus Franciscan Mountain Retreat, P.O. Box AR, St. Bonaventure, NY 14778