AmySue Buckley Leonhardt

AmySue Buckley Leonhardt, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, teacher, and dear friend to many, passed away on January 23, 2025, at home in Bellingham, WA, days after celebrating her 60th birthday. AmySue's vibrant spirit and zest for life enriched all who knew her, even during her recent years dealing with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). 

She was born on January 19, 1965, on Mercer Island, WA, the only daughter of James and Joan Buckley (née Boyer) and the middle of three children. 

AmySue graduated with honors from Mercer Island High School in 1983. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in French Literature from Whitman College in 1987 and earned a Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education from Washington State University in 1992, equipping her with the tools to inspire and enlighten others. 

In 1995, she and Eric married in Walla Walla, Washington. True to their adventurous spirits, the newlyweds departed the reception on a tandem bicycle. 

Her teaching career began after earning her BA. AmySue was a natural born teacher, and it was a role she dearly loved. Whether she was in a mixed grade level classroom, working as an interventionist, or tutoring one on one, AmySue brought compassion and enthusiasm to every educational setting she was in. She took special interest in and was highly skilled at supporting diverse student needs. Many of AmySue’s closest and longest lasting friendships came out of her decades as a teacher. She was a beloved educator, colleague, advocate, and mentor in each school she taught in.

Her journey as a mother began in 2004 with the birth of her first son, Sam. Four years later, the family welcomed their second son, Bo. These two boys were the light of her life, and she embraced parenting with the same passion and dedication she brought to everything. AmySue's love for her children was boundless. She took great delight in nurturing their growth, encouraging their interests, and creating a warm and loving home filled with laughter and energy. 

AmySue found happiness in many pursuits. She reveled in the camaraderie and exhilaration of crewing on a women’s sailing team, navigating the unique challenges of boating on Bellingham Bay. Her fondness for animals manifested in her enthusiasm for horseback riding, and her care for a menagerie of pets over the years. She was happy with a dog or cat, or sometimes both, at her feet. She was always ready to meet up with a friend for a walk or run (with her dog) and a spirited conversation. She will be remembered for her uninhibited joy while dancing. 

AmySue's life was a testament to the power of friendship and community. She had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together, serving as the hub of connection for her generous network of friends and family. Her warm smile and genuine interest in others made people feel valued and heard. She had a skill for dispensing sage advice and perceptive insights, which those around her greatly appreciated, even when it was refreshingly candid. 

AmySue was a keeper of details and memories, often recalling the specifics of a moment or story that others had long forgotten. Whether it was a favorite anecdote or the names of a friend's extended family, AmySue’s remarkable knack for detail was legendary. She delighted in remembering and sharing these facts. 

She is survived by her husband Eric and their sons Sam and Bo. She also leaves her brothers Richard (Dick) Buckley (wife Bettina, children Ace and Lucia) and Thomas (Tom) Buckley (wife Stefania, children Jordano and Liliana). AmySue was predeceased by her parents, James and Joan Buckley (née Boyer), whose values and love helped shape her into the remarkable woman she became.

AmySue lived a life full of love, laughter, and meaningful connections. She will be remembered for her kindness, her passion for bringing people together, and her ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures. She will forever dance on in the hearts of those who loved her. 

A celebration of AmySue’s life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 1 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 1031 N. Garden St. Bellingham, WA. A reception will immediately follow at the Hotel Leo Crystal Ballroom, 1224 Cornwall Ave. Bellingham, WA. We welcome all who knew and loved AmySue to join. There will also be a live stream of the service. Click here for details.

Memorial gifts may be made in AmySue’s name to the ALS Association.