Mary Catherine Buchanan

Mary Catherine (Herrmann) Buchanan, 89, of Narragansett, RI passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her children; Paul, Nancy, Elaine, Charles, James (Anne), Robert, Jr. (Patti), and Kerry. She is predeceased by her daughter, Judy, and her husband, Lt. Col Robert C. Buchanan. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and 5 nieces and nephews. Mary was born in Jersey City, NJ to Francis and Catherine (Coleman) Herrmann. She is predeceased by her brothers, Frank J. and John T. (Suzy) Herrmann. She is survived by her sister-in-law, June Herrmann. Mary Catherine graduated from St. Dominics Academy in 1947, was the Secretary of her senior class, as well as Business Manager of the class yearbook, and voted "Best Dancer" by her peers. She met and married 2nd Lt. Robert C. Buchanan in 1949 and traveled the world as an Officers wife, raising 8 children before settling in Narragansett in 1962. Mary was President of the Officers Wives Club, President of the Rosary & Alter Society at St. Thomas More Church, and active in other civic organizations, before starting her second career as a Travel Agent in 1980. Mary worked for the Town of Narragansett as the Senior Citizen Activities Coordinator for 10 years before starting the Seafarers Club at Pier Bank. Countless people from South County and beyond have travelled with Mary on bus trips, exotic excursions, and luxury cruises. "Our Fearless Leader" (as she was lovingly called) planned bucket-list trips to far off places such as China, Australia, Fiji, Tahiti, Panama Canal, the Caribbean, Europe, Canada, and to just about every corner of America! She retired from Carlson Travel in 2000 and spent her retirement playing bridge, visiting her grandchildren, and volunteering. She was the quintessential manager and always ready to lend a hand to help organize any event. One of her favorite sayings was, "Lead, follow, or get out of the way!" Mary gave all she had and then some. You cant walk a block in the Town of Narragansett without meeting someone who knew Mary or had been helped by her. Mary will be missed by many parishioners of St. Thomas More and St. Marys Star of the Sea where she enjoyed going to daily mass followed by a coffee and muffin at Belmont Market. Visiting hours will be at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, Friday, December 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at St. Thomas More Church, 53 Rockland St., Narragansett, on Saturday, December 22 at 9:00 a.m. Burial will be private. To view the funeral Mass live please visit, stthomasmoreri.org. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 143 Main St., Wakefield, RI 02879, or a charity of your choice.