Arlene J. Buchanan “Dolly” (nee McLaughlin)
Arlene J. Buchanan “Dolly” (nee McLaughlin), age 83, of Essington, PA departed this life on June 27, 2017 in her sleep on the plane as she landed in Philly after a great week in Vegas with family!
She was born in S.W. Philadelphia to the late John & Marie (Parris) McLaughlin. Dolly met her late husband Donald in 1952 and married in 1955. They were both employees of GE and were an all GE wedding couple. Don passed away in 2010 after being married for 55 years. Dolly & Don were instrumental in having the Buchanan Family Reunions for 25 years!
Dolly was a January 1952 graduate of John Bartram High School and was employed as a secretary and book keeper by Local Lodge 1776 IAMAW for 28 years. She was a lifetime member of the Essington Fire Co. & Delaware County Ladies Auxiliaries and a member of the School House Senior Center. She was also a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Claymont Lodge 847 for 15 years.
She was a 50 year member of the Norwood United Methodist Church and counted money on Sundays for 30 years! She also attended Vero Christian Church in Vero Beach Florida where she spent the last 15 winters.
Dolly loved to play cards, travel and shop! She always played one night of the week with her Tinicum Friends and many times a week with her friends from the School House Senior Center. She loved shopping at Boscov’s and Bealls in FL and she loved stopping at the Moose for lunch. She and her husband travelled to all but 6 states in the USA and several trips overseas. From Dolly’s own words “I have had a great life! My childhood was good, I married a wonderful man and I have 4 loving children. I have been to so many places and done so many things, much more than most people my age. I am so grateful! The Lord has been good to me.”
Survived by four children, Donald (Beth), Gary, Greg (Anna Louise), & Kelli (Dave) all of Tinicum Township. Also survived by her sister, Valerie (Pete) Bradley and grandchildren Ashlie, Kelli Ann, Brittany, Scott, J.C., Amanda, Alyssa, Ryan, Nicole, Tyler, Sophia, four great grandchildren and loving niece Tina Buchanan. Preceded in death by her husband, her parents and recently her sister Audrey Lorenz.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dolly’s life on Wed. July 5 from 7-9 pm at McCausland Garrity Marchsani Funeral Home, 343 S. Chester Pike, Glenolden or Thurs. July 6 at Norwood United Methodist Church, viewing from 9:30-10:30 am followed by a church service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Norwood United Methodist Church 315 Chester Pike, Norwood PA 19074 or Vero Christian Church 3250 9th St. SW, Vero Beach FL 32968
Condolences may be made at www.mcgfh.com