Obituary: Sherry Buckley

17 September 2003

On Aug. 20, Sherry Buckley, manager of the campus Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at her home in El Cerrito. She was 55.

Buckley was a 28-year veteran of the committee, a standing Academic Senate subcommittee that reviews all campus proposals for research involving the use of human subjects. In the course of her career she held every staff position associated with the committee; her knowledge of its history and procedures was unparalleled.

“Sherry was devoted both to protecting the rights of individuals who were the subjects of research and to advancing the research mission of the university,” says committee chair Jane Mauldon, professor of public policy. “She performed this balancing act with great skill. She was well known and appreciated for her warmth, patience, and wit, and hundreds — if not thousands — of researchers on campus have benefited from her guidance and help.”

An animal-lover and gift-giver
Buckley had a lifelong love of animals, both domestic and wild, and was especially fond of cats. She was a dedicated supporter of the Shambala Foundation, a Southern California game preserve for big cats born in captivity. She also loved children, especially those in need. Her enthusiasm for these causes was infectious; friends recall fondly the extravagant shopping trips that Sherry and her daughter made every year in support of Toys for Tots, as well as her tendency to lavish gifts on the young children of her colleagues.

Buckley is survived by her daughter, Adel Buckley, who also works for the committee, and by a grieving staff who were also like family.

Donations may be made in Buckley’s name to either of her favorite causes: Shambala Foundation (www.shambala.org) or Toys for Tots (www.toysfortots.org).

A memorial is being planned; contact CPHS (subjects@uclink4.berkeley.edu) for information.

— CPSH staff and chair