Marybeth (Helwig) Buechner

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she was an inspiration to all with her dedication to excellence, education, and lifelong-learning.

Marybeth (Helwig) Buechner, 68, of Davis, CA, passed away August 11, 2026, after a long illness. Born in Pittsburgh, PA to Ed and Verna Helwig she was a 1976 graduate of Divine Providence Academy, received her BS in Biology and Psychology from Ball State University in 1980, her Ph.D. in Zoology and Conservation Biology from UC Davis in 1987 and was a Postdoctoral Scholar at Stanford University.

Marybeth was a retired professor from the Los Rios Community College District where she worked for nearly 30 years. A Biology Professor at Cosumnes River College, she then moved to Sacramento City College as Dean of Planning, Research and Institutional Effectiveness. Greatly admired and loved by her students and colleagues, she was an inspiration to all with her dedication to excellence, education, and lifelong-learning. A passionate advocate for nature and women’s sports, she had a love for soccer and coaching and will be remembered with fondness by her siblings as always having her nose in a book.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 46 years, Randy Buechner, daughter Ellie Cypher, son-in-law Quinn, her loving siblings Robert Helwig, Donna (Martin) Calvert, brothers-in-law, Barton (Pat) Buechner and Christopher (Carollee) Buechner, nieces Jessica, Meghan, and Maria, nephews Christopher, Will, and numerous loving first cousins.

Marybeth will be greatly missed by all who knew her for her intelligence, kindness, creativity, and generous spirit.

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A passionate advocate for nature and women’s sports, she had a love for soccer and coaching.

Graveside services will be held Monday, August 17, 2026, 11A.M. at the Davis Cemetery District & Arboretum.