Donna Buchanan

1955 - 2025

Donna Buchanan

May 26, 1955 - June 18, 2025

Donna S. Buchanan, 70, was born May 26, 1955, in Staunton, VA to David C. Buchanan, Sr. and Doris H. Buck. She passed after a courageous battle with cancer on June 18, 2025.

She was predeceased by her parents and her Stepfather, Ronald W. Buck. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Christopher W. Wolfe (her best friend!), her loving daughter, Amanda M. Wolfe (Chris Ballard), her sister, Patricia K. Buchanan MD (Luke Lancaster MD), and her brother, David C. Buchanan Jr. (Virginia).

Donna was a long time resident of Charlottesville, VA. She graduated from both Lane High School and Madison College. Donna was an inspiring teacher who truly loved and understood children. She had a deep understanding of child development and curriculum. Her face lit up when she shared her favorite children's books and illustrations, even books she had probably read hundreds of times. She was a public elementary school teacher for 32 years with most of her career spent as a beloved 3rd grade teacher at Gordon Barbour Elementary School in Gordonsville, VA. (Orange County). After her retirement from public education, she devoted 12 more years as the Director of the First Presbyterian Preschool at the church she grew up in Charlottesville.

Donna was a very special person, had many interests and countless friends. She loved holidays, particularly Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. Her house was filled with beautiful items she collected or made along the way. She was a talented cook and turned food into art with her delicious charcuterie boards. She loved music and played the piano, percussion and took up Cello as an adult. She was a proud member of the Lane High School Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and the Charlottesville Municipal Band. She was a very skilled and creative person. She made hundreds of Pysanky Ukrainian eggs, gifting many to friends and family. She was skilled at painting, card making and many other crafts. She could walk into any room and make it beautiful, and she could arrange any group of flowers into a beautiful display. Her sense of style was the envy of her friends and family.

She loved being outdoors, exploring wineries & breweries, attending concerts and being with friends. Her love of cats was evident throughout her life with her most recent, Mollie, staying by her side throughout her illness. Her favorite place was the beach, especially Topsail, NC, where she enjoyed her passion for walking the beach and finding Seaglass.

Donna and Chris had a wonderful life together along with their daughter, Mandy, and recently (June 8, 2025!) welcomed Mandy's husband, Chris Ballard, into their family.

Donna will be deeply missed by all of us.

In accordance with Donna's wishes, she will be laid to rest by cremation. In the fall, we will remember Donna with a Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna's memory can be made to Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA 3355 Berkmar Drive Charlottesville, VA. 22901, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville 967 2nd Street SE Charlottesville, VA. 22902 or Albemarle County Department of Social Services for the benefit of their foster care program 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA. 22902.