Carolyn Bucko

Carolyn Dale Bucko, age 78, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025 at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana surrounded by the loving hands of family. She was born on August 2, 1946 to Milton and Mary (Hayn) Duke in Gary, Indiana.

Carolyn graduated from Calumet High School in 1964. She went on to earn a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education and began her teaching career at Black Oak Elementary School as a kindergarten teacher. She was passionate about education evidenced by her devotion of over 40 years to teaching elementary school at Longfellow Elementary as well as Boone Grove Elementary and serving as school principal at Lake Village Elementary in Newton County, Indiana. Carolyn loved her students like they were her own, taking immense pride in their progress and helping each of them realize their full potential.

Carolyn met her husband, Michael (Mike) Bucko, while at Calumet High School and they were married on June 5, 1970 at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Gary, Indiana. Together they raised two children, Steven and Elizabeth (Betsy) in Hebron, Indiana and built a loving home there. Carolyn was an active member of the community supporting various organizations like Porter County Mental Health Association, NEA, ISTA, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Boone Grove School Corporation. In 2016, Carolyn and Mike moved to Evansville, Indiana to reside and enjoy their retirement together.

Carolyn was an eternal optimist, and all of her actions were anchored in kindness, love, faith and positivity. Although small in stature, Carolyn was mighty in heart, grace, patience and strength. Carolyn and Mike loved to travel and explore the many corners of the world together. She loved her family fiercely and enjoyed attending her grandchildren's activities and being their biggest fan! Carolyn was a lifelong learner who instilled this love in her children and grandchildren allowing them to develop an appreciation for nature, travel, food, culture, art, science, history, and so much more! She cultivated strong friendships with a group of ladies from her years in elementary and high school and these valued relationships brought her so much support and joy during the many stages of her life. Carolyn was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan, she loved the simple things in life like Breyer's French Vanilla Ice Cream, a quality cheeseburger, Pinochle with her girlfriends, Scrabble with her kids/grandkids, reading a good book, collecting shells on the beach, cooking new recipes, and spending time with family and friends.

Carolyn leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Remaining to ensure her legacy lives on are her husband, Mike Bucko; children Steve Bucko (Tamora) and Betsy Melton (Jeremy); and her three beautiful grandchildren, Megan Bucko, Max Melton and Molly Melton along with her many nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, fellow educators and former students.

Preceding Carolyn in death were her parents, Milton and Mary (Hayn) Duke, her sisters Dorothy King and Marilyn Hansen and brother, Richard (Dick) Duke.

Please join us on Saturday, April 26, 2025 to celebrate Carolyn's life, all of the things that made her special and the incredible impact she had on all of us. Visitation and services will be held at Alexander West Funeral Home 2100 W Illinois St Evansville, Indiana. Visitation will take place from 10-12 pm with a funeral service to follow. The funeral service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/FuneralStreamUSA beginning at noon. Carolyn will be laid to rest on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 11am EST in the Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E 38th St, Marion, IN 46953.

The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the physicians and staff at Ascension Cancer Care and Hematology, The Ohio State University Hematology/Oncology team, and Deaconess Health System for their compassion and care throughout Carolyn's life.

The family requests that donations be made to Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG), an International Society focused on empowering women who educate and dedicated to excellence through education. Memorial donations may be made to DKGIEF, 12710 Research Blvd., Ste 230, Austin, TX 78759 or online donations can be made at www.dkg.org

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.