In Memory of

Margaret

"Mollie"

Ions

Obituary for Margaret "Mollie" Ions

Margaret M. Ions of Simsbury, passed away Friday, February 28, 2014 after a brief illness. Mollie was born January 3, 1943 in Waterbury, CT. The daughter of the late Walter and Ruth Buckley, Mollie spent much of her youth in Painesville, Ohio, graduating from Riverside High School, and then continuing her education at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. Upon completing her studies she enjoyed a fulfilling career for many years as a medical lab tech in both Cleveland and Pittsburgh. She also took great pride in her later years when she completed a decade-plus length of service as a paraprofessional for special needs children in the Granby Public School system.

She had an impressive track record of volunteerism, much of which took place through Saint Mary’s parish social action committee. Her generous spirit and expansive heart resulted in a lengthy tenure leading the Mercy Shelter group. There, she and a colleague oversaw a team of nearly 60 volunteers that cooked, delivered and served meals at Mercy Shelter in Hartford.

Mollie was an accomplished craftswoman, pursuing a variety of endeavors over the years – knitting, candle and bag making, but it was in quilting, where it was clear her talent transcended from “crafting” to true artisanship. Each piece was exquisite, but even more exquisite was her generosity. She took every opportunity to bestow her talents on those she loved – gifting so many with something so meaningful.
Her greatest talent, however was that of a caregiver – first as a stay-at-home mom for the light of her life, her daughter Shae, then in later years for her own mother. Finally, and most recently for her beloved husband of 44 years, Dick. In the words of a very dear friend … “Mollie was a remarkable lady, wife, mother, quilter, sister, aunt, daughter, friend and giver of self. She was the most selfless person I ever knew. She gave her all to the people she loved most, her family.”

She was predeceased by her husband, niece Sarah Jones for whom she had great affection, and brother Kevin Buckley. She is survived by sister-in-law, Maria Buckley of Granby; her brother Michael Buckley and his wife Wanda whom she loved dearly, of Houston, TX, a nephew she truly adored – David Buckley of Denver, CO and Stephen Jones, husband of Sarah.

She was a faithful, compassionate longtime friend to Anne and Jerry Kucharski, of Crown Point, Indiana and Judy Seiler of Ft. Lauderdale, FL - holding a special place in her heart for all three. And also for Judy Lackey, of Avon, CT, for reasons too long to list. And finally, her daughter, who will miss her immensely but who is so thankful to have had a mom who loved unconditionally, every day, in every way. It was a privilege and an honor to be her daughter.

Calling hours will be held at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Friday, March 7 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A mass of Christian burial will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 8 at St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association, 8 Old Mill Lane, Simsbury CT 06070, your local March of Dimes chapter, or Double Dog Rescue at doubledogrescue.org. Please visit Mollie’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.

A mother’s greatest gift is that to protect and cherish, to give wings to fly. Mollie, mom, gave these gifts in abundance. May God now protect and cherish her as she did for so many. We miss and love you more than words can adequately convey. You will remain with us in our hearts as we hope we do in yours. Thank you for your graciousness and love.