• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • This Week’s E-Editions
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

       

Click to join our weekly e-newsletter

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices

‘A mover and shaker’ is laid to rest

June 23, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Anyone who has spent any time at all in Lutz is likely to have run across Auralee Buckingham.

After all, for decades, she had a hand in just about everything involving this community, north of Tampa.

Auralee Buckingham was characterized by her friends as a ‘true force of nature’ who was a ‘pillar of the community’ in Lutz. (Courtesy of Kristi Mackey)

Buckingham, who was 91 at her death on May 13, will be honored in a Resurrection Mass at 11 a.m., on June 26, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Drive in Lutz.

The mark she left on the community of Lutz will not be soon forgotten.

Pat Serio, who sits on the board of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, described Buckingham as “a true force of nature.

“You name it and Auralee ran it,” said Serio, noting that not only was Buckingham a past president of the woman’s club, but she also had held nearly every office and chaired nearly every club event.

“She was a mover and a shaker, involved in everything that happened in the Lutz community at large, and knew how to get things done,” Serio said, via email.

Buckingham organized the Fourth of July parades and celebrations, and the community’s Christmas in the Park festivities. She beautified the landscaping at the Lutz Branch Library. She raised money and supported causes that went far beyond the woman’s club, including the Lutz Civic Association, the former Lutz Volunteer Fire Department and the Old Lutz School.

She was deeply involved in the Oscar Cooler Youth Sports Complex, and with scouting, too, Serio noted.

Ardyth Bahr, a longtime friend of Buckingham’s, said, via email, that  those who had met Buckingham could not forget her.

Bahr characterized her friend as “a pillar in the community of Lutz.

“She (Buckingham) was the one to go to in Lutz if you wanted anything done. She was unstoppable.”

Jay Muffly, another longtime Lutz civic leader, said Buckingham was “the busiest person in Lutz.”

He credited her for her contributions to many projects and activities in the community, as well as being “a great person.”

News reports published over the years in The Tampa Tribune frequently included Buckingham’s views on issues affecting the community.

For instance, when the Hillsborough County public school district was looking at sites for a high school, the Lutz civic leader weighed in.

This is Auralee Buckingham when she was in high school.

Buckingham said she would welcome it, as long as the high school was kept to 1,000 students or fewer, so it would fit into the Lutz community.

The school board — which wanted to build a larger school — found another location.

Buckingham’s involvement was obvious, and her friends decided to celebrate her with a surprise party months before her 80th birthday.

More than 100 people showed up and spent about two hours lavishing Buckingham with praise for her many contributions and accomplishments, according to a Tampa Tribune account.

During that party, the dedicated community volunteer also received a copy of a document proclaiming May 21 as Auralee Buckingham Day in Hillsborough County, the Tribune reported.

Charlie Reese, who was editor of the Lutz Community News (now The Laker/Lutz News), became quite familiar with Buckingham through his reporting.

“Auralee was one of the first persons I met when I covered news stories in the Lutz/Land O’Lakes area, and before long I realized that she was probably at every event that the woman’s club was involved in,” Reese, a Lutz resident, said, via email. “She was constantly busy and had the loudest laugh, which was often heard above the din of the 4th of July parade in Lutz or the annual arts and crafts show.

“I remember her attending to many tasks at these signature events in our community, and even though she handled many duties, she was never too busy to splash her bright smile at everyone she saw,” Reese added.

She wasn’t shy about sharing her views, noted Reese.

That was back in the days when U.S. 41, North Dale Mabry Highway and State Road 54 were all two-lane roads, Reese said.

It also was “when pastures outnumbered big box stores — but change was on the horizon,” Reese said.

“She loved Lutz.

“And, because she was so dedicated to causes and events that enhanced our community, Lutz loved her,” Reese said.

Buckingham is survived by daughters Kristi Mackey, Ashley Gracey (Tony) and Beth Busbee (Jeff); grandchildren Kristopher Mackey (Tatiana), Jennifer Swisher (Eugene), Brittany Desmarais (C.J.), Dillon and Leah Hulme; great grandchildren Wesson Swisher, Damon Mackey, Mack Swisher and Kiara Mackey; and sister Hazel Cox, children and grandchildren.

A Resurrection Mass will be held at 11 a.m., on June 26, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road in Lutz.

Published June 23, 2021

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Email
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Coloring Contest

Download and Color

Search

The Recap Presents…

Sponsored Content

Brunch Spots in Pasco County Worth Waking Up For

July 5, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

Searching for a new brunch spot in Pasco County to add to your favorites list? Whether you’re in the mood for something … [Read More...] about Brunch Spots in Pasco County Worth Waking Up For

Toni Hedstrom Gets Creative for Buyers and Sellers

June 28, 2022 By Kelli Carmack

Toni Hedstrom, a Lutz resident for 13 years and real estate agent for Compass Realty, is always looking to be creative, … [Read More...] about Toni Hedstrom Gets Creative for Buyers and Sellers

More Posts from this Category

What’s Happening

07/05/2022 – Read with a furry friend

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, in partnership with Pasco County Animal Services, will host a “Tale for Tail Reading Session” on July 5 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., for ages 5 and older. Participants can bring their own book or borrow one from the library to practice their reading skills with an adoptable furry friend. Registration and liability waiver are required. Register online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 07/05/2022 – Read with a furry friend

07/06/2022 – Cribbage club

Weekly Cribbage Club meetings are every Wednesday at 6 p.m., at the Wilderness Lake clubhouse, 21326 Wilderness Lake Blvd. in Land O' Lakes. The club is currently playing informally, but is looking to join the ACC cribbage organization. For more information/questions call 732-322-7103, or email . … [Read More...] about 07/06/2022 – Cribbage club

07/06/2022 – Fire Rescue safety

The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., will host a free K-5 Summer Reading program on July 6 at 10:30 a.m., for kindergarten through fifth grade. Firefighters and rescue team members from Pasco County Fire Rescue will present a session on fire safety. (They might even bring a fire engine!) No registration is required. For information, call 813-780-0064. … [Read More...] about 07/06/2022 – Fire Rescue safety

07/06/2022 – Woman’s club skit

The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club will present “The Game Nite Skit” on July 6, at the Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel. Fellowship begins at 6 p.m., followed by a meeting at 6:30 p.m. … [Read More...] about 07/06/2022 – Woman’s club skit

07/07/2022 – Community conversation

The City of Zephyrhills will host a public meeting, “Community Conversation,” on July 7 at 6 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Depot Museum, 39110 South Ave. The city aims to collect ideas from residents, business owners, workers and other community stakeholders to create a citywide vision for 2035. To learn how to participate and get involved, visit Plan2035.zhills.city. … [Read More...] about 07/07/2022 – Community conversation

07/07/2022 – Floridian Cuisine

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a “Floridian Cuisine” presentation on July 7 at 6 p.m. Participants can learn how to prepare quick and healthy meals using a variety of seafood, poultry and meat, with locally grown fruits and vegetables. There also will be an explanation of various cultures that have contributed to Floridian cuisine, as well as creative ways to use fruit and spices, healthy options for a cookout, and simple desserts. The presentation will end with a cooking demonstration that can be replicated at home in less than 15 minutes. Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 07/07/2022 – Floridian Cuisine

More of What's Happening

Follow us on Twitter

The Laker/Lutz News Follow

Your home for weekly news that impacts your life and community. Serving Land O' Lakes, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

LakerLutzNews
lakerlutznews The Laker/Lutz News @lakerlutznews ·
1 Jul

LCOAL UPDATE: Mike Carballa is Pasco County’s new interim administrator, effective July 30. He has been selected to replace Dan Biles as the county’s new administrator, when Biles’ contract lapses on Oct. 1. Full story: https://lakerlutznews.com/lln/2022/06/103096/

Reply on Twitter 1542894556789833730 Retweet on Twitter 1542894556789833730 Like on Twitter 1542894556789833730 Twitter 1542894556789833730
Retweet on Twitter The Laker/Lutz News Retweeted
mositampa MOSI @mositampa ·
1 Jul

We continue to celebrate MOSI’s 60th Anniversary through our Social Media Contest. In July, we are asking our friends to submit a funny Science meme or photo. Submissions accepted July 1- July 31. Winning submission gets one free MOSI Pioneer Membership. https://conta.cc/39JPT09

Reply on Twitter 1542817813831745537 Retweet on Twitter 1542817813831745537 4 Like on Twitter 1542817813831745537 8 Twitter 1542817813831745537
Retweet on Twitter The Laker/Lutz News Retweeted
pascocountypio Pasco County PIO @pascocountypio ·
30 Jun

#HurricaneSeason 2022 TIP: High winds can whip up with or without warning - having the same effect as a strong thunderstorm or tornado. Older homes can be more at risk. To minimize damage, keep up with home repairs. More info http://MyPasco.net #PascoCounty #PascoPrepares

Reply on Twitter 1542568660304142338 Retweet on Twitter 1542568660304142338 4 Like on Twitter 1542568660304142338 2 Twitter 1542568660304142338
Load More

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2022 Community News Publications Inc.

    Doc
%d bloggers like this: