Pat Buckley (William F.'s wife) Dies at 80

Pat Buckley, for decades a leading player on Manhattan’s social and charity benefit circuit, died yesterday in Stamford, Conn. Mrs. Buckley, the wife of William F. Buckley Jr., the writer, editor and television commentator, was 80.

She died of an infection after a long illness, according to her son, Christopher Buckley.

Mrs. Buckley was a commanding presence at designer fashion shows and big charitable and social events, but she attained that distinction not only by her social clout and force of personality. At a soupçon under 6 feet tall, she was Manhattan’s tallest reigning socialite. At times she likened herself to a jolly green giant, or a stork.

She was a moving force behind the annual benefit dinner and dance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, which she turned into one of the most prestigious and in-demand social events of the New York season. She served as chairwoman of the gala from 1978 to 1995 and raised millions of dollars for the museum.

more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/16/obituaries/16buckley.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

...when they both were in CIA.

Most importantly: My condolences to Mr. Buckley and the Buckley family.

There is no God.

Wrong place for this.

n/t

were quite the Vogue stars. You'd often see them in the magazine as "elder stateswomen" along with people like Barbara Walters, Anne Bass, Carolyn Roehm, Chessy Rainer, and Carmen somethingorother (a long, exotic, Italian name) a tall, very slim, angular woman with razor sharp facial features and stark white hair, who's been an older model for a long time. She's still at it at age - uh - not sure but I think she's in her 70's.

They were frivolity incarnate, but still always struck me as pleasant, somehow. I guess it's because I'm in my 50's, and it's nice to see women who are actually older than I am - featured in the fashion magazines. It's not just all the Gisele Bundchens and Shalom Harlows and even the Paris Hiltons (who, curse them, are younger, thinner, and more photogenic than I'll ever be) who can be alluring and chic and glamorous.

Besides, I'm kinda partial to someone who supports the arts. Her choice of spouse left a lot to be desired, but even Pat Buckley couldn't have everything.

in the loss of a wife and mother.

I've always kind of wanted to be 100 years old, rich, and clueless.

I hate to sound funny, but Bill can't be long for this world, either.

Once the wife goes, the husband usually follows her. :-(

I'm not that much of a fan of William F., but I sure am of her son Christopher.

But my sympathies are with the family.

Remember the days when we all wished he were one of us?