Mary Ann Buckner

If love could be measured, Mary Ann Buckner would have lived one of the richest lives imaginable.

Born on August 18, 1944, in Charleston, West Virginia, Mary Ann Cobbs spent her life building relationships, creating memories, and loving others with her whole heart. She was the cherished daughter of Horace and Viola Cobbs and grew up surrounded by extended family. Her happiest childhood memories were made on her father's family farm in Virginia, where she spent countless summers with cousins she adored.

She was welcomed into heaven on September 16, 2026, by her parents; her beloved stepmother, Edna "Mimi" Cobbs; her husbands, Howard Douglas Forth and Jerry Lee Buckner; her son, Howard Douglas Forth Jr.; and her son-in-law, James Peter Cinelli.

Mary Ann's relationship with Mimi reflected the way she viewed family throughout her life. Following her mother's passing, Edna became an important part of Mary Ann’s life. They shared a friendship built on mutual devotion, laughter, and love. Together they traveled, celebrated life's moments, and relied on one another. In return for a lifetime of love, Mary Ann cared for Mimi during her final years until her passing in 2017.

To know Mary Ann was to know someone whose greatest purpose was loving her family. She poured her heart into raising Doug and Lisa, embraced Brooke and Lee as her own, and became a treasured grandmother to Dakota, Cory, Joshua, Rebecca, Jacob, Nicholas, Bella, Gabby, Elliette and Jacob.

Known simply as "MawMaw," she showed up. She showed up for ballgames, dance recitals, school programs, graduations, and celebrations big and small. Her love was never hidden. It was visible in every cheer from the stands, every phone call, every hug, and every story she proudly shared about her grandchildren.

Mary Ann also possessed a rare gift: she made people feel like they mattered. Friends seemed to find her wherever she went. She maintained lifelong friendships while continually welcoming new people into her life. When she moved to Wisconsin two years ago, that gift followed her. At Hart Park Square she quickly formed meaningful friendships, sharing stories, laughter, and her unmistakable Southern charm.

Though she left West Virginia many years ago, West Virginia never left her. She proudly carried her Southern roots and accent throughout her life and never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Mountaineers.

Mary Ann's legacy is not found in accomplishments or possessions. It is found in the people she loved and the lives she touched. Those who felt forgotten found love in Mary Ann. Those who felt judged found acceptance. Those who needed a friend found one.

She leaves behind a family who adored her, friends who cherished her, and a world made better because she was part of it.

Relatives and friends are to be invited to celebrate Mary Ann’s life at Hart Park Square Senior Living in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, on Sunday, October 4th at 3:30PM.