Judith L Buchanan

The consummate wife, mother and grandmother, Judy Buchanan's legacy was built around her dedication to family and ability feeding small villages with her delicious cooking skills. Judy passed away in Forest Grove on January 27, 2026 surrounded by family, after a brief illness.

Judy was born in Aberdeen, Washington on November 27, 1942 to Roy and Margaret Holmberg. She grew up in Ridgefield, Washington and graduated from Ridgefield High School. From an early age, Judy was a classically trained pianist and performed solo and as an accompanist. She majored in music at Central Washington University, before switching to the nursing program.

It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Richard 'Dick' Buchanan, a Molalla country boy who was cruising Portland's 82nd Avenue in a '56 Ford. Judy and Dick married in 1962 and wasted no time starting a family. In the span of seven years, Judy became a mother 5 times over, welcoming 4 sons and a daughter.

Dick began his career as a firefighter, while Judy commandeered a very active family. The family moved to the town of Banks, where Judy bulk cooked for the growing family and friends. She became an avid supporter of simultaneous activities and athletic events her children participated in. Judy quickly adapted to family vacations spent camping, fishing and hunting and not surprisingly, managed to cook just as well outdoors as in.

Once her children were slightly tamed, Judy decided to drive a school bus for the Banks School District to mirror her children's schedules. She met students with a smile and managed a large bus through the elements in the hills and gravel roads of western Washington County.

Judy also took her cooking skills to a higher level at two different restaurants and had dedicated customers. She spent several years working at the Good Shepherd Home, where she was a daytime program manager for the developmentally disabled.

After working so hard raising a big family, Judy and Dick retired and enjoyed travel and the outdoors. They spent many years boating in the San Juans, visiting the Cook Islands, Mexico, Alaska and enjoying Central Oregon at their second home near Lake Billy Chinook. Their home in Round Butte supplied so many wonderful family memories.

Judy was most happy though when she was holding a baby. Nana helped with all 12 grandchildren and was their ardent champion. She supplied Nana hugs and cooking and baking for them was her love language. Judy's other weakness was for animals, always having a cat or dog in her lap.

As Judy's body started to fail her, Dick, her husband of 63 years, was by her side and did the caretaking for the past years. Their devotion to each other is truly inspirational. Judy, Wife, Mother and Nana will live on through her family and friends, who were touched by her loyalty, selflessness and love.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Margaret Holmberg and brothers Gary and David. Judy is survived by her husband, Dick of 63 years, son David, son Tim (Patty), daughter Molly (Chad) Daul, son Joel (Marcie) and son Ben (Melissa). Nana's grandchildren include Cody, Kayla, Lily, Logan, Jarred, Joel, Josh, Kelsey, Jake, Katie, Grace, Cade and seven great grandchildren. Aunt Judy is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Visitation Parish Center, 4285 Visitation Road, Forest Grove, Oregon on February 21st at 11 am.