Pamela Buchanan, 76
Pamela Sue Buchanan died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. She was 76 years old.
Pam was born on April 30, 1949 to Marvin and Vivian Royce in Eau Claire, Wis. Later her family, including older sister Charlotte and younger brother John, moved to Rochester, Minn., where Pam graduated from Marshall Senior High. Rochester was also where she met the love of her life, Robert Buchanan. They married on Jan. 18, 1969 and were married for nearly 57 years.
Following high school Pam worked for the telephone company for 27 years. After her first retirement she worked for several years at Apple Tree Day Care where she was in charge of the infant’s room. After her second retirement she spent her time spoiling her grandchildren. She was chauffeur, babysitter, and (when needed) nurse.
Pam was a member of Saint Mary’s Church where for many years she was active with the Saint Vincent DePaul Society. Her greatest joy came from helping others and the Society allowed her to expand on her generosity.
Pam enjoyed traveling with her husband Bob on trips to Ireland, Hawaii, and places in between. She especially enjoyed spending a relaxing time at their home on Lake Brant.
Above all Pam truly enjoyed Christmas. It was her favorite holiday by far. Given her way, she would have celebrated Christmas year-round. She was one who would watch all the Hallmark Christmas movies … in July. She seldom shopped for herself. If she saw something that reminded her of someone, she would buy it as a Christmas present, regardless the time of year. (She would do this so many times that by Christmas she would often forget some of the gifts she hid.)
Pam was generous and devoted – an exceptional wife, as well as a loving mother and grandmother. She had no expectations, yet valued all she received. Her life included organizing family birthdays and get-togethers, traveling, playing penny slots in Las Vegas, and creating memories for her family. She will be remembered for her compassion toward others, her charity, her kindness, and her beautiful, infectious, smile! Her smile would light up a room and bring joy to all who knew her.
The last years of her life were dimmed by an ever-growing battle with dementia. While neuropathy also forced her to be wheelchair bound, she maintained an optimistic enthusiasm for life.
Grateful for sharing her life was her beloved husband Bob; wonderful children, Jody Kersey (John) of Sioux Falls, Mark Buchanan (Gina) of Brandon; her brother, John (Judy) Royce of Roseburg, Ore.; and of course, her six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her son, Mark, her sister, Charlotte Sveska, and her parents.
Pam and her family are also grateful for Avera Home Hospice, the Dougherty House, and especially her Angel companion Brenda whose selfless care allowed Pam to be home with her family (and her dog Bella), for an extra year.
For online condolences, visit millerfh.com.
