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Patricia (Patty) Ann Buck, 95, died Wednesday, April 27, at NorthShore University HealthSystem’s Evanston Hospital.
Patricia Ann Buck, nee Harbrecht, was born Jan. 27, 1927, to Sebastian James and Martha Louise Boren Harbrecht in Chicago. She was the younger of two children and was close to her sister, Martha Louise Darcy, throughout her life.
Passionate about education, Patty graduated from Roycemore School in 1943, then studied at Vassar College, where she earned a degree in mathematics and a graduate degree in child studies in 1946.
Patty married Robert Allen Buck in 1954 and had three children: Breck (Chris), Elisabeth (Tim Waddell) and Bridget. She was the loving grandmother of Ren (Matt) Davenport, Chris (Gina) Schanbacher, Parker Waddell and Patrick Took.
While raising her children, she remained dedicated to teaching. She taught at several nursery schools in St. Louis and served as the director of the Delta Gamma Preschool for the Visually Impaired and the Washington University Nursery School. Before her retirement, she was the director of Deerfield Community Nursery School, where she developed strong friendships with teachers, parents and children. She valued those friendships until her death.
Patty was a passionate artist and sculptor, developing her own unique style that was appreciated by her clients, family and friends. She was a board member of the Evanston Art Center and a docent at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Neb.
She had countless friends and a gift for making everyone around her feel loved. Her four grandchildren were her pride and joy and she found special ways to connect with each, while celebrating their unique personalities and interests.
Patty is survived by her three children, her four grandchildren, her three great-grandchildren and her many nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her mother and father and her husband and sister.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. A celebration of life will be held this summer in Evanston.
Submitted by the family