Mary Joyce Buchanan

M. JOYCE BUCHANAN (nee Petric) age 85, beloved wife for 57 years of the late John A.; loving mother of Wendy Zorman (husband Chris), and Brenda Buchanan (wife Terri Notte); devoted grandmother of Kathryn Zorman and Audrey Shupe (husband Jonah); dear aunt of Joan (wife Cynthia), John (wife Meg), Steve (wife Anne Marie), Ed (wife Jennifer), John, M.E. (partner Matt), and Natalie (husband James) and great aunt of Rachel, Sarah, Morghan, Jack, Tillie, Caroline, and Ainsley; cherished daughter of the late John and Mary (nee Novak) Petric; dearest sister of Rudy Petric, Barbara Kuzma (husband Ed), and the late Major John (wife Linda), Tim (wife Mary), and Veronica Petric; and friend to many including her longtime friends Jeri Desper and Marjorie Trefzger.

Joyce, the name she preferred to be called, was born on April 25, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from Regina High School in 1959 and went on to get her beautician's license. Joyce was a woman of many skills and talents. She first worked in a few hair salons but her basement salon was her favorite. Neighbors, family and friends remained loyal customers for many, many years.

Other calls led Joyce to reception and office work at several locations before she obtained her realtor license and served as a relocation professional at Realty One downtown. She retired in 1997, however continuing to work, providing childcare for her beloved granddaughters.

One of six siblings and the second oldest, Joyce became a second mother to her youngest sibling, Rudy. She had a variety of nicknames given to her throughout the years, "Cooky" being one of the first and most enduring, especially within the family. Some friends knew her as Mary, Mary Jo, or Tammy.

In Joyce's free time you would often find her doing one of her many favorite activities like crocheting, sewing, painting, arts and crafts, cooking and baking, doing word and jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and other games such as Scrabble, Rummikub, and Mexican Train. Joyce could often be found outside riding her bike with her husband or gardening.

Joyce was an active parishioner in every parish she belonged to over her lifetime. She devoted her time to many Catholic ministries such as Christ Child Society of The Western Reserve, Always Our Children Ministry, Pre Cana and other activities.

Above all else, Joyce was a cherished wife, loving mother, and grandmother, a dear aunt, great aunt and friend. She was a fierce and devoted advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Her family and friends were the center of her world, and she cherished the time spent with all her loved ones. She will be remembered for her wit, compassion, kindness, and sense of style. Joyce was not shy about sharing her opinions or giving her input wherever she thought it was needed. Her warm hugs, laughter, and support will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her.

Contributions may be made in memory of Joyce to Human Rights Campaign (HRC) here and to Christ Child Society of The Western Reserve here.

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, August 29, 2026, at St. Noel Catholic Church, 35200 Chardon Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 at 11 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joyce at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) Friday, August 28, 2026, from 3-5 & 6-8 PM.