Marilyn L. (Lebow) Buckler

Marilyn L. Buckler (née Lebow) passed away on August 13, 2024, at the age of 91, at her home in Waltham, Massachusetts. Born on March 18, 1933, in New York City, Marilyn graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in one of the earliest classes to include women. She went on to earn a B.A. cum laude in Child Development from New York University and an M.A. in Psychology and Counseling from Northeastern University.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude and Herman Lebow. She is survived by her daughters, Julie Buckler, Eve Buckler, and Sarah Welcome; her grandchildren, Leah Welcome, Phoebe Welcome, Natalie Korzh, and Noah Welcome; her sister, Marjorie Rutimann, brother-in-law Hans Rutimann, niece Sophie Rutimann, and nephew Daniel Rutimann.

Marilyn’s long career was marked by a deep commitment to the well-being of children, parents, and grandparents. As a young woman, she worked as a kindergarten teacher and throughout her professional life, she never stopped building her knowledge and skills. 

Marilyn served as the school psychologist at the Carlisle, Massachusetts public elementary school from 1970-1996, providing invaluable support to the families in that community. She led workshops there and at Families First Parenting, as well as the Wellesley College Open Circle program. Among other topics, she developed workshops for children who had lost a parent and children whose families were going through a divorce. Well before the topic of bullying entered the mainstream, she offered a workshop titled “Bullies, Bullied, and Bystanders.” One of her signature workshops was in support of grandparents who were by necessity the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Marilyn continued her professional activities well into her 80s. After retirement, she volunteered at the Lincoln Senior Center, facilitating services, leading happiness workshops, and arranging cultural outings.

Marilyn was a charismatic, distinctive, memorable, and beautiful woman, known for her warmth, sociability, and personal style. She was a strong-minded person, true to herself and her core values. Marilyn was highly attuned to those around her and able to appreciate the unique humanity of each person. 

Marilyn loved the arts, and with her longtime companion Irving Belansky, she enjoyed concerts and films, fine arts, and reading. Above all, Marilyn was devoted to her family, and in her later years, especially relished being a grandmother. Over the course of her life, Marilyn had many deep friendships and professional relationships lasting for decades. A resident of Lincoln, Massachusetts for 54 years, she delighted in the beautiful surroundings of the town. 

The memorial services will be held privately for family members. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marilyn’s name to Families First Parenting Programs www.families-first.org or the Boston Symphony Tanglewood Festival www.bso.org/tanglewood where Marilyn had so many happy times. Marilyn's legacy of kindness, compassion, and dedication to family and community will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.