Obituary of Mary E. Buchmeier

HERKIMER - Mrs. Mary E. (Rei) Buchmeier, age 82, a lifelong Herkimer resident, passed away on Wednesday evening, February 14, 2018, in the privacy and comfort of her home, with her beloved husband, Werner, at her side. 

Born on June 1, 1935, Mary was the daughter of the late Antonio and Vincenza (Carroll) Rei. She was raised and educated in Herkimer, graduating with the Herkimer High School Class of 1952. On June 28, 1958, Mary was wed to Mr. Werner Buchmeier, and together they shared in almost 60 years in a loving and devoted union.

At one time Mary was employed with the Herkimer Hospital, MDS in Herkimer, and finally with the Herkimer County Clerk’s Office, where she enjoyed working for many years until her retirement.

Although a hard worker, Mary’s first and foremost priority was always the well-being of her family. Throughout the years, she enjoyed spending time with her husband, and together they travelled throughout the world. She was always on the go and kept herself actively involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren and extended family; lending an ear and giving advice as needed.

She exemplified the qualities of kindness and compassion and always remained unassuming, humble and patient. In her later years, she enjoyed spending quality lunch dates with her friends. She was devoted to her Catholic faith and her Italian heritage, and she passed along many of those traditions to the beautiful family she leaves behind.

Survivors include her husband, Werner; her sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Colleen Buchmeier of Osprey, FL and Michael and Linda Buchmeier of Clemmons, NC; her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Louie Catalusci of Newburgh, NY; her grandchildren, Alicia Catalusci, Bobby Catalusci, Andrew  Buchmeier, Nicholas Buchmeier, Ryan Buchmeier, Sophie Buchmeier and Anna Buchmeier; her sister and brother-in-law, Julia and Bill Fifield of Herkimer; and her in-laws, Otto and Dorothy Buchmeier of Nevada. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, Susan, David, Scott, Sharon, Rick, Susan and Joe; her special friends, Rose Naegele, Mary Peruzzi, Rosemarie Peruzzi and Amelia Schimek; and several great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Clara and Richard Krawczeski.

A special ode of gratitude is extended to the 6^th floor doctors and nursing staff of the Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, for the tender care provided to Mary throughout her illness.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Mary's funeral service, which will commence on Monday morning, February 19, 2018, at 10:00AM at the St. Francis de Sales Church, North Bellinger Street, Herkimer, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Mark Cunningham, Pastor. Spring interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 OR to the American Cancer Society, 100 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502. Envelopes will be available at the service.

Mary's family has entrusted all service arrangements to Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, funeral directors of the original Enea Family Funeral Home (FKA Holleran Funeral Service) 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315) 866-1011. 

Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.