Eugenia (Jean) Peraza Buckridge peacefully passed away on July 29, 2024 surrounded by family and loved ones.  Jean, as she was known, was born on October 25, 1948 in Mérida, Mexico and was raised along with her brother David on Long Island where she attended Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Syosset. While attending Mercy, Jean met the love of her life, Thomas Buckridge.  After graduating from Mercy, Jean obtained her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Molloy College in 1970.  Soon after graduation, Jean and Tom married and began their love-filled 54 year marriage together, raising their three children in Bethpage and East Northport, NY until moving to Tampa, FL in 1991.  They bought a vacation home in Rabun County, GA in 1995, and later became full-time residents there, enjoying the rustic beauty of the Northeast Georgia mountains.

Throughout her life, Jean was an avid reader and a passionate volunteer at local libraries. She took special pleasure in leading engaging programs for children in both English and Spanish.   Jean obtained her Master's degree in Library Science from the University of South Florida to enhance her knowledge and bring further capabilities to her local communities.  She spent countless hours on her sewing machines making beautiful quilts and blankets for her loved ones, especially for holiday presents and for babies born in their church community in Clayton.  A devoted gardener and passionate flower arranger, Jean was also a masterful cook, well-known for her amazing desserts and authentic Mexican dishes.

Jean is survived by her loving husband, Tom, and their three children:  James, with his wife Diane, and their  children, Maggie, Anna, and Kate; Heather Buckridge, with her husband Ron Hill, and Lisa Broz, with her husband Ron, and their children Liam and Angela, and Angela's daughter, Solveig, Jean's great-granddaughter; as well as her brother David Peraza and his family, Maureen and Al.  She will be deeply missed by all including her extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws in the United States and abroad, and her many friends including her life-long friend Marie Neil.

A visitation will take place at Beck Funeral Home in Clayton on Thursday, August 1st from 4:30 to 6:30pm, followed by a Celebration of Life.  A Requiem Mass will be held at Saint Helena Catholic Church on Friday, August 2nd at 1pm.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Eugenia Peraza Buckridge. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.