Marilyn C. Buchanan

Marilyn C. Buchanan, age 89, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2022 at Otterbein Pemberville SeniorLife Community.

Marilyn was born July 15, 1932 in Seattle, Washington.  After attending Franklin High School in Seattle, she attended University of Washington and worked as an operator at the phone company and was on the activity committee.  It was at one of those planned ski outings that she met her husband, Martin, and the rest was history. They were best friends and had many more exciting trip and outings over the next 55 years.  After 11 years apart, they are finally reunited in heaven. 

Marilyn was a friend to everyone, always helping others and making new friends. Although the family made several moves over the years, Mom kept in contact with friends made at every location in ensuing years. She was a template for all moms: devoted to family, gentle, kind and loving. Often described as a “sweet person who didn’t have a mean bone in her body”, her message was reciprocated, as everyone who knew her loved her right back. Fittingly, Mom’s final words were “Thank you”. 

Even in her later years, as she fought Alzheimers, her true nature shown through.  Every nurse and aide who she came in contact with her would tell us what a sweet woman she was. When former workers paid a visit, they asked how Marilyn was doing. A life well lived.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin L. Buchanan of Norwalk, OH, and her son, Brian Buchanan of Norfolk, VA.  She is survived by her loving family, sons; Jeff (Laura) Buchanan of Woodville, OH, Brad (Arlene) Buchanan of Macomb, MI, daughter Julie (Paul) Hess of Grand Rapids, MI, and daughter-in-law Sherri Buchanan of Concord, NH, as well as four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held online in Spring 2022, so that friends and family from across the country can join in the celebration of her life. Memorial contributions may be made to Otterbein Retirement Community in Pemberville who took such wonderful care for her in her final years or Ashanti Hospice Care who helped tremendously at the end.

Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at www.marshfuneralhomes.com