Pauline Dettra Buckley, 84, 'Barrie Shoes lady'

Pauline Dettra Buckley, 84, of Cape May Court House, who retired in 2015 after more than 28 years as the manager of Barrie Shoes in Stone Harbor, N.J., died of cancer Saturday, Dec. 17, at her home.

Born in Collingdale, Delaware County, Mrs. Buckley graduated from Collingdale High School in 1950 and married Robert Buckley in 1951.

She was an executive secretary for the Philadelphia office of the Prudential Insurance Co. until pregnancy caused her to resign in 1953.

The Buckleys moved to Cape May County in 1960, where she owned Russ' Snack House in Stone Harbor until fire leveled the building in 1969.

Before moving to the Shore, Mrs. Buckley "was working for the owners of Russ' in the summers," a daughter, Margaret McDaniel, said. "They gave her the option to buy and she took it."

In their circle, McDaniel said, "women didn't own a business and raise children at the same time."

Besides her ownership responsibilities and three children, she said, "Dad was a long-distance truck driver, so Mom had to pretty much raise us herself."

For years after she lost Russ', her daughter said, "a lot of people knew her from waitressing" in Cape May County, especially at Hamann's Family Restaurant in Cape May Court House.

Before beginning her work at Barrie Shoes, her daughter said, Mrs. Buckley "did whatever it took to take care of her family."

Besides her daughter, she is survived by son Mark, daughter Rose Fejes, three sisters, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband.

A visitation was set for 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 93rd Street and Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, followed by a 2 p.m. memorial service there.

Donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, Box 22478, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73123.

Condolences may be offered to the family at the Radzieta Funeral Home, 9 Hand Ave., Cape May Court House, N.J. 08210.

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