Patricia Ann O'Donnell Buckalew, 84, passed away from complications of dementia on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Patricia was born in Wilmington, DE, to Daniel Patrick O'Donnell and Hannah Mae Connell. She graduated St. Elizabeth's high school, and married Herbert C. Buckalew in 1954. Pat worked many years at Beneficial Bank, while taking time off to have five children, then worked at St. Elizabeth's School, followed by her job in the legal department at DuPont. She finally achieved her goal of going to college, earning a B.S. in Accounting. Pat had a great sense of humor, and enjoyed hosting parties. She was supremely practical, worked hard and had high standards for herself as well as her children. Pat loved doing taxes and balancing checkbooks for all of us, and worked at H&R Block part-time. Her faith was essential to who she was, as were her family and friends, especially the "Club." Pat was pre-deceased by her parents, her sister Kathleen Nimberger, and brother Daniel "Jerry" O'Donnell. She is survived by her husband, Herbert Buckalew, her children Kathleen Buckalew (Marilyn Talman, dec'd.), Diane Norvell (Joseph), Daniel Buckalew (Loretta), Janet Buckalew, and Patricia Bradley (David); ten grandchildren (who knew her as Me-Mom): Alaina, Jason, Elijah and Brianna Norvell, Caitlin and Erin Buckalew, Jake Buckalew, Ryan and Sean Bradley, and Kim Keane (Peter); and three great-grandchildren: Kenzie Norvell, and Lilly and Casie Keane. Her brother John "Jack" O'Donnell, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews also survive her.A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 28, from 6-8 pm, at Mealey's Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. A funeral mass will be held at St. Elizabeth's Church on Clayton Road, on Friday, December 29, 2017 at 11 am. Internment will follow at All Saints Cemetery on Kirkwood Highway.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in the name of Patricia Buckalew to the Alzheimer's Association at alzfdn.org, or checks can be sent to the local office at 240 N. James St., Suite 100A, Newport, DE 19804.