Mary Peat MacDonald Buchanan passed away on April 21, 2020 at the age of 86, in Ft. Myers, Florida. Mary was born on August 2, 1933 in Bloomfield, New Jersey to James and Helen MacDonald. While growing up, she spent much of her childhood visiting her New York City, the Jersey Shore, and her family’s homes in Scotland. Mary was extraordinarily proud of her Scottish heritage.
Mary graduated from Bloomfield Senior High School in 1951 and went on to study nursing for a few years, before pursuing a career as a stewardess. She was hired by National Airlines, eventually transferring to Pan American Airlines. Fondly known as ‘Mary Mac,’ she spent more than twenty years traveling worldwide with Pan Am and cultivated many special lifelong friendships. The stories she told of her travels were captivating.
In 1955, at a lively New York City apartment party for pilots and stewardesses, Mary first met TWA pilot Jerry Buchanan, also known as “Buck.” Work took them in two separate directions. Twenty two years later, their paths would cross again and in 1978, Mary and Buck were married in Gig Harbor, Washington.
Mary and Buck settled in Fairway, Kansas. Her time was spent golfing, shopping, reading, and adopting any poor wee soul, human or otherwise, she came in contact with. Never losing her love for travel, she flew as often as she could to visit friends and family across the world – and yes, she always brought her favorite tea with her.
Mary grew up Presbyterian, but she enjoyed going to a variety of church services with friends then enjoying a good breakfast afterwards. Mary was known for her spirit of giving, of loving anyone she could, and being the best Grammie and Aunt Mary to everyone she met, related or not.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Buck of 30 years, parents James and Helen MacDonald, and her beloved dog Suzie. She is survived by children Doug (Cathy) Buchanan, Barbara (P.J.) Connolly, grandchildren Mac Buchanan, Megan Connolly, Sean (Taylor) Connolly, cousins in New Jersey, family in Scotland and many dear Pan Am friends around the world.
Celebrations of Mary’s life will be decided upon at a later date, when friends and family can gather safely. Arrangements have been made by Harvey-Engelhardt funeral home, in Fort Meyers, Florida.
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