This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.
Helen Buck, Longtime Employee of JSA, Dies at 82
Those who knew the New York City native and 37-year employee of the Jewelers’ Security Alliance described her as “one tough lady.”
Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.—Helen M. Buck, who worked for the Jewelers’ Security Alliance for more than three decades, died Oct. 25. She was 82.
According to her obituary, Buck was born Helen McInerney in the Bronx, New York, in 1936, the last in a family of four children.
Described as an “independent and strong woman,” Buck began her professional life working for many years at Allstate Insurance Company, where she met husband, Peter Buck.
JSA President John. J. Kennedy told National Jeweler, “She was a terrific employee at JSA for 37 years, a brave and determined mother who raised two great children alone after her husband’s early death, an entertaining friend and one tough lady.
“As a number of people have commented, they don’t make them like Helen anymore.”
In her personal time, Buck enjoyed being with her family, gardening and watching sports. She particularly loved football and basketball and was a fan of the New York Giants, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, New York Yankees and Providence Friars.
She also was deeply connected to her Irish heritage and loved Irish music.
Buck was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Buck, her brother, John, and sisters Rose and Betty.
She is survived by her two children, Karen Buck and Michael Buck (Deirdre), her grandchildren, Rowan and Connor, and many nieces and nephews.
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