Obituary of Juanita Ellen Buckley

June 17, 1952 – Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

July 11, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Juanita Buckley (nee See), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the age of 72 years.

Juanita was the most extraordinary and beautiful person, both inside and out. Her unassuming grace filled any room, and she gifted everyone, from family to strangers, with a sense of lightness and ease.

Her appreciation for adventure took Juanita and her soulmate, John, to parts of the world they couldn’t have dreamed of as kids. From kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, and spelunking, to coffee bean picking, discoing in exotic hideaways, apprenticing a skilled art form with Buddhist monks, attempting to eat the world’s hottest gummy bear, bike touring on terrifyingly skinny tires, and quietly facing a mama black bear, Juanita truly embraced it all. She was open to possibilities and inspired those around her to be brave as well. She had an innate ability to connect with and understand the essence of a person, showing authentic care for all.

Juanita's love for animals brought joy and security to countless strays. She was brilliant and a lifelong learner, unafraid of hard work. After retirement, she became shockingly fluent in Spanish and Thai, a skilled piano player, and an accomplished artist. She could have been anything, but she chose to be a dedicated partner in love, life, and business with her husband John, as well as a wonderful role model and supporter to her two children and three grandchildren. Her family is deeply thankful for the wealth of beautiful memories and the gift of her time.

Juanita will be missed, but her spirit will live on in every kind smile, stunning vista, opportunity for growth, moment of humility, and, as her son Kris says, “in every dog or cat looking for a treat.” Fly, sweet Juanita, we love you.

Besides her loving husband, John, Juanita is survived by her daughter, Virginia Buckley, her son, Kris (Sarah) Buckley, her brothers, Mel (Anne) Travers and Gordie (Debbie) See; her sister, Marcia (Bert) Maitland, and her grandchildren, Jett, Nick, and Kate.

Juanita was predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Grace See; and her eldest sister, Ruth (Murray) Snoddon.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests you offer a moment of kindness for yourself and for others in Juanita’s honour.

“Kindness is its own type of magic, don’t you think?”

- Author Alyssa Cole

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Juanita’s family here.

In living memory of Juanita Buckley, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.