Lois Jane (Learn) Buchanan, 78, of Commodore, PA died Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.
The daughter of Paul and Emma (Dick) Learn, she was born on November 30, 1946 in Learn Settlement, Green Twp., Indiana Co., PA as the youngest of nine children.
Lois was a 1964 graduate of Purchase Line High School and furthered her schooling by earning a bookkeeping certificate.
She wed Joel B. Buchanan on February 21, 1970. Joel and Lois shared over fifty-four years marriage until his death on May 12, 2024.
A member of New Life Lutheran Church in Marion Center, PA, she had previously attended the former Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cookport, PA. Over the years she had been a longtime member of the church choir and altar guild, and sewed altar linens and banners for church services and decorations. Along with her husband, Joel, she was an important part of New Life’s work with Family Promise, an organization that assists homeless families with housing, transportation, and job training.
Retiring in 2008 at the age of 62, Lois was employed at Purchase Line High School as a cleaner. For many years, she enjoyed providing childcare at her home for a local family.
A woman who loved spending time doing creative hobbies, she was an accomplished seamstress fashioning clothing for her family, including everyday apparel and her daughter’s prom gowns. She delighted in completing crafting and ceramic projects.
Lois also loved to create chocolate candies. Her peanut butter chocolates were especially revered by her son-in-law, Mike. She enjoyed being outdoors around her home tending to her flowers and vegetable garden.
One of her favorite pastimes was reading, especially mysteries. Lois treasured her memories of traveling with her husband to over forty states and Canada, with her favorite destination being Alaska.
Lois thoroughly loved spending time with her husband, children, siblings, and nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Buchanan Rapach and husband Mike of Pittsburgh, PA; son Adam E. Buchanan of Commodore, PA; three siblings: Dwight Learn; Vivian Livingston and Doris Shaffer and many nieces and nephews and their families.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joel; and five siblings: Wyla Stiffler; Juanita Learn; John Learn; Steele Learn and Barbara Byers.
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 2:00 until 4:00, the time of the funeral service, at New Life Lutheran Church, 1209 Leroy Road, Marion Center, PA 15759. Rev. Arlene Schweitzer will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be forwarded to New Life Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 219, Marion Center, PA 15759.
Arrangements are with the assistance of the Rairigh Funeral Home, Ltd. in Hillsdale, PA. Visit www.rairighfh.com to sign Lois’s guestbook and share condolences.
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