Barbara Buckman, 82, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning.

Barbara was born on May 26, 1943, in Jamaica, NY. She moved to Hortonville, NY, in 1971 and later to The Boarding House in Narrowsburg, NY, where she lovingly raised her four children along with her brother Henry’s three children, Bob, Christine, and Joe.

She made history as the first woman president of the Lava Volunteer Fire Department, a role she carried with strength, dedication, and pride. She was also an active member of the Tusten Volunteer Ambulance Corp, served faithfully as a member of the Fire Police, and held the position of Tusten Town Historian. Her lifelong commitment to serving her community was evident in all she did.

Barbara worked for many years as a dental assistant before later working in the floral department at Walmart, where she enjoyed helping customers and sharing her warm smile.

Beyond her public service, Barbara had a generous and creative spirit. She loved to crochet, and many family members and friends were blessed to receive her beautifully handmade afghans—treasured gifts that will continue to provide warmth and comfort for years to come.

Barbara was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Lee Strumpfler.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, Jim Buckman; her daughter, Bonnie Piland; her granddaughter, Jessica McHugh and her husband Ryan, along with their children, Gavin and Avery; her grandson, Christopher Piland, and his children Kaiden, Kingston, and Kamdyn; her son, George “Shorty” Strumpfler, his wife Jocelyn, and their daughter Victoria; and her daughter, Patty Strumpfler, along with her cherished grandpups, Zar, Shadow, and Abby.

Barbara’s legacy of service, love, and generosity will live on in the many lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to Dessin Animal Shelter in Honesdale, PA or Lava Cemetery Corp.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home of Barryville.  Firematic Service by the Lava Volunteer Fire Department at 1:30pm.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home of Barryville, NY 12719  845 557-8010