Donna Lynn Buchan

Donna is survived by her husband of 56 years John, her son Edward, her daughter in law Amy, her granddaughter Leah of Raleigh, and her cousin Ellen Joyce of Danville, VA.

Donna was a much-loved woman. She was a devoted wife to John, a wonderful mother to Edward and a loving grandmother to Leah. She was a loving and loyal friend to her large circle of friends. She married her high school sweetheart, John, in 1968 and they enjoyed a long and happy marriage of 56 years. Donna graduated from Broughton High School in 1965, Meredith College in 1969 and obtained a master’s degree in Math Education from NCSU in 1984.

Donna was born to teach. She taught and mentored our youth for 30 years while teaching in North Carolina public schools with her longest tenure at Athens Drive High School 1978-2000. She taught math and turned that oft dreaded subject into an enjoyable and useful learning experience. She would say, “I don’t teach math. I teach logic and problem solving.” Her students called themselves “The Buchaneers.” She took great pride in her students’ life successes. She taught at least 10 students who became doctors, 20 students who became teachers, and one real PhD NASA rocket scientist. She also mentored 18 student teachers. She was moved that she often received wedding invitations from her former students. They wanted a special teacher to share their special day.

Donna enjoyed traveling, shopping, golfing, and going to her happy place at Pawleys Island, S.C. She and John went on 17 cruises and saw many wonderful and historic sites throughout the world. She was a world class shopper with a weakness for handbags. She also enjoyed golfing with her lady friends at Prestonwood Country Club. She especially enjoyed her eagle on #15 at Pebble Beach and her hole in one at Prestonwood.

Donna was a beautiful woman who loved her family, her friends and her students.

Family and friends were invited to celebrate Donna’s life at a memorial service and visitation/reception at Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7209 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612 on April 27, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna’s memory to: The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching 276 NCCAT Drive, Cullowhee, NC 28723 https://www.nccat.org/make-gift/give-online

If you would like to leave a favorite story / memory of Donna, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.

Adaptation of “I Am Standing Upon the Seashore” by Henry Van Dyke: “The strong, beautiful ship has left the harbor. Her sails catch the wind and I watch her as she sails to that point on the horizon where the sky meets the sea and I can see her no more. Someone shouts out that she is gone. No she is not gone. It’s just that our eyes can’t see her. She sails on with her human cargo on board to her appointed port. Soon another set of eyes sees her and a shout goes out ‘I can see her, she is coming, and she is beautiful.’ Yes, Donna. You are strong and beautiful.”