Obituary of Mema Mary Buchan

Mema Mary (Nicoli) Buchan Obituary

Born August 17, 1935 in Copper Cliff; died January 23, 2024 at Hospice Wellington Guelph. 

Mema was the oldest daughter of a family of six children living “up the hill” in Copper Cliff, Ont. Grieving her death are Derio (Delta, B.C.), Nello (Alice) of Nepean and Nella (Gene) of Melrose Park, Illinois. Predeceased by her parents, Elsa and Giuseppe and two brothers, Walter and Richard. From a young age she was the one responsible for her siblings. Her fierce dedication to the care of family extended throughout her life, particularly as she cared for both her mother and brother as their health declined.

Mema described herself as a tomboy who loved all sports as well as dancing. She met her husband, Bob, a shy young Scotsman, on the badminton courts in Sudbury. 

Proud mother of Donna (Jim Lefler) of Guelph and Rick (Daphne) of Oakville and her five grandsons Andrew (Bri), Patrick (Ali), Luke, Cole (Taylor) and Shane. She was delighted to spend time with her only great-grandchild, Evan.

The highlight of her working career was the time she spent as the head secretary at Royal Orchard Public School in Thornhill. To many, Mema was the real leader of the school. She treasured the deep and lasting friendships she made there.

Mema and Bob moved to Peterborough in 1983 when Bob was transferred for work where they enjoyed a rich life together. After Bob’s death in 2016, fiercely independent Mema stayed in their home until 2020 when she finally agreed to move closer to family.

Mema loved Christmas and this year was no exception. She baked biscotti and shortbread, made the pastry for Christmas Eve tortiere and the stuffing and gravy for the turkey. She was complaining of vision challenges but otherwise was in great form.

Sadly, the lung cancer Mema was treated for ten years ago had returned and spread to her brain. Discovered on January 4^th, Mema died peacefully at Hospice Wellington less than three weeks later.

We are so grateful that she lived life fully until she could not. She would have hated losing her independence and she did not want any further medical treatment.

At her request, there will be no funeral service. There will be a private family celebration. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to the Brombal Funeral Home, 1 Delhi St. Guelph, Ontario.

Our family would be pleased if you could honour her memory with a donation to Hospice Wellington so that others can receive the caring, compassionate care she did.