Audrey J. Buck

Dr. Buck was born March 30th, 1953 in Dunkirk to the late Stanley and Elsie (Pilarski) Drozdiel.

In school, Audrey excelled at art and upon graduating from Dunkirk High School in 1971, briefly attended Alfred State’s art program before deciding to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. She graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1978 and began working as an Occupational Therapist, while completing additional degrees and certifications in hand rehabilitation, and eventually earning her PhD in Evidence Based Medicine from Rocky Mountain University in 2013.

A pioneer in her field, Audrey opened her own OT practice with offices in Lockport, Dunkirk and eventually Jamestown, the latter two of which would remain in business until her passing. During her career she held positions at the NY State OT association. Dr Buck also worked as a teacher and professor of OT, founding OT programs at Jamestown Community College, also teaching at D’Youville College, Villa Maria College, Erie Community College, and Keuka College.

She was also a fierce advocate of the underprivileged and also volunteered her time and had much involvement with Jamestown General Hospital and Westfield Hospital, as well as the County Home.

Outside of her devotion to her work and her family, Audrey was an avid, lifelong “horse girl”, participating, showing, and mentoring many people in Chautauqua County’s 4-H horse programs and shows across the state. She volunteered countless hours as a 4-H club leader and member of the Horse and Program Committees.

Audrey will be remembered for her bright smile, infectious laugh, strong will, superhuman work ethic, her delicious homemade bread, her love of horses and Arkwright Falls, and her depthless pride and love for her family.

Audrey is survived in grief by her loving husband Edward; son Matthew Mager; daughters Stephanie Buck (fiance John Boner), Vanessa Buck, and Monica Buck (fiance Jason Yonkers); grandchildren Atlas and Penelope Boner; step-grandchildren Lily and Joseph Yonkers; sister Carolyn (George) Catalano, many extended family and her beloved dog Diesel and horses Goldie, Squiggles, Speedy, and Rocket.

Audrey’s immediate family wishes to express their gratitude to Audrey’s many friends, colleagues, community members and extended family who have shared support, well wishes and prayers during Audrey’s battle. Per her wishes no funeral is planned but there will be a celebration of Audrey’s life in the warmer months. In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made to the Chautauqua County 4H Horse Program, the Chautauqua County Humane Society, and Chautauqua County Hospice & Palliative Care.