BETHLEHEM – Mother Debbora Joseph (née Josephine) Buck, 86, a nun at the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, died on March 15, 2024.
She was born in New York City, the fifth of six children and educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart schools in Manhattan and in Noroton, Conn. After attending Manhattanville College, she embarked upon a rewarding career in interior design.
She was a perpetual student of art and beauty, immersing herself in the riches of Manhattan’s museums and galleries. Later, she worked as an investment manager for individuals, trusts and estates.
Her life was always anchored in a deep faith that led her to volunteer as a Catholic Big Sister and at the Dwelling Place, a shelter for homeless women in Manhattan. But she knew that her faith was asking something more of her, and she began coming to the Abbey of Regina Laudis in 1983, entering as a postulant in 1986.
She professed her final vows in 1999 and received the Blessing of Monastic Consecration at the hands of Archbishop Daniel A. Cronin on Sept. 8, 2002.
During her years of monastic life, she was a beekeeper, an avid gardener, and the Head Portress, having served in that department for 36 years, until her death. As a Portress, she met with countless guests, offering spiritual advice and counsel.
She is survived by her monastic community at the Abbey of Regina Laudis; her sister Connie Buck; her brother Richard Buck and his wife Jutta; her extended family and her many friends.
A Requiem Mass for Mother Debbora Joseph will be celebrated at the abbey’s church Jesu Fili Mariae, 15 Robert Leather Road in Bethlehem, on Wednesday, March 20, at 10 a.m. Burial in the abbey cemetery will follow. Calling hours will be Tuesday evening, March 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Wednesday, March 20, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to “New Horizons” would be gratefully accepted.
To send notes of sympathy and comfort to Mother Debbora’s family, please visit her tribute page at berginfuneralhome.com.
