Obituary of Martha Taylor Buck

age 92, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2017. Born in Terra Haute, Indiana on May 6, 1924, Martha was the daughter of Dean W. and Eva C. Taylor. She is pre-deceased by her husband of 65 years, Attorney Joseph C. Buck, and her brothers, Robert Taylor and Norman Taylor. Martha is survived by her children Louise E. Buck, Ithaca, NY and Charles T. Buck, Norfolk, VA., and grandchildren Daniel E. and Andrew B. Hart of Oakland, CA. Martha's family moved from Terre Haute to Staten Island when she was a young child, then to Elmira where she attended high school at the Elmira Free Academy. She graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and from Drexel University Library School in Philadelphia. After marrying Joe in 1947, Martha served as a librarian at Cornell University's Olin Library while Joe attended the Cornell Law School. Thereafter she settled in Elmira where they began a family and Joe practiced law. When her children were partially grown Martha became a reference librarian for the Chemung County Steele Memorial Library. Martha retired about the time her first grandson was born to open a period of travel with Joe to East Africa to visit Louise's family, and to Charles' home in Norfolk VA, plus extensive trips to Europe, Canada and other destinations. Closer to home she shared with Joe a long series of courses at Cornell Adult University, and mentored the joys of discovery and learning with her grandchildren who moved to Ithaca when her second grandson was born. Throughout her life with Joe they pursued sailing at Keuka Lake, visiting the Adirondacks and appreciating opera. A generous woman, Martha supported numerous charities as well as community music and art associations, in addition to offering her infectious enthusiasm and personal support to a variety of local organizations including The Park Church and the Athenaeum Book Club. Following Joe's death, Martha moved briefly to Horseheads, then to Ithaca to be near her daughter and enjoy the waterfalls, trails, lake side, music and art offerings there with friends new and old. Martha was extremely grateful to the devoted and loving staff who befriended and cared for her at Bethany Village in Horseheads, Brookdale Ithaca Memory Care, and Bridges Cornell Heights. Her family and close friends extend their deepest appreciation to Bridges and to Hospice and Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County for helping Martha journey from this world to the next peacefully and gracefully. There will be a graveside service for well-wishers on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira. Those wishing to make a donation in Martha's memory, kindly consider The Park Church, 208 W. Gray Street, Elmira NY 14901; or the Tompkins County Family Reading Partnership, 54 Gunderman Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850.