Rev'd Heather Buckley 1952-2023

It was a great shock to us all in Goostrey to hear that former incumbent of St Luke’s The Revd Heather Buckley had died on the evening of Saturday 3rd June 2023.

Heather brought much joy to all of the communities of which she was a part, including of course, this community of Goostrey. Many tributes have been paid to her. On hearing of her passing those knew her have said to me, in different ways, how special she was to them. Amongst the many kind words people who shared Heather’s life in Goostrey have said are these…

“A delightful lady and a privilege to work with."

“She truly was much loved….Heather had a special place in our hearts… she was a special person in the village…a bright light in our village and will be sadly missed….”

“I’ll always remember her lovely smile that lit St Luke’s up…and her frequent, hearty laugh…”

The Salvation Army have a wonderful phrase to describe the death of such a person as Heather- they say that person who has known Jesus in their life in this life, is on their death promoted to glory.

I truly believe that our sister Heather has been promoted to glory

“We were privileged to have known her” said one person, speaking on behalf of all who knew and loved Heather.

We are saddened here in Goostrey to have to say our goodbyes to Heather, and we do so with hope in Christ who is the Resurrection and the Life, Christ who sustained Heather in this life, Christ who passed through death that Heather and you and I can know the way to eternal life, Christ who welcomes Heather now into his closer presence. May Heather rest in peace and rise in glory, and may all who mourn her passing find the comfort, strength and hope that Heather knew in Christ, now and for all eternity,

Revd Canon Christine Broad Vicar of Goostrey