Obituary: Marybeth (Ryan) Buckhoff, 81, of Guilford

Obituary courtesy of Guilford Funeral Home:

Sunday, February 25, 2024, at the age of 81, Marybeth (Ryan) Buckhoff died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Richard Brian Buckhoff and was known by many as "Biggie." She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Born on May 17, 1942, in Albany, New York, Marybeth was the daughter of John and Mary Ryan and the sister to Marcia Verville. After graduating from the College of Saint Rose, with a bachelor’s degree in education, she married her husband. Biggie and Brian moved to Connecticut shortly after and were residents of West Haven, Northford, and Guilford.

Marybeth was a lifelong educator who taught for over 40 years. She taught reading at Northford Intermediate School and later Algebra and Geometry at North Branford High School where she was affectionately known as Mrs. B. She was a passionate and inspirational teacher and a master of her craft.

Marybeth enjoyed reading, writing, and completing crossword puzzles. She remained relevant and engaged. Examples of this include streaming her grandson’s soccer games, Facetiming with her great-grandaugther, and banging out texts to her beloved family members. She was razor sharp, had a great sense of humor and was an amazing listener.

Above all else, she loved her family and cherished every moment that she could spend with them. She is survived by her children Elizabeth Forbes (Jeffrey) of Branford, Matthew Buckhoff (Helen Tachkov) of Guilford, and David Buckhoff (Holly Grose) of Salem, MA.

Biggie proudly left a legacy, her beloved grandchildren, Catie Putney (Frank), Megan Martone (Tyler), Oliver Buckhoff, and Iliana Buckhoff and her great granddaughter Sophie Martone.

Throughout her life, Biggie was a compassionate warrior who fought a long and valiant battle against Cancer, beating it multiple times with grace, elegance, and relentlessness. Through it all, she nurtured and protected all of those who were lucky enough to fall within her embrace. And as Biggie’s children and grandchildren heard from her every night before they went to bed, we bid her a “Good night, God bless you, and we love you”.

Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at Saint George Catholic Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford on Friday, March 1st at 10am. Burial Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smilow Cancer Center, Closer to Free Fund, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-9979 https://www.rideclosertofree.o...