Maria Buchanan

Maria Buchanan

1931 - 2023

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Maria

Obituary of Maria Buchanan

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Maria Josephina Buchanan was born and raised in New York City, by her parents Olimpia and Vicente Rivera.  She retired as a Commissioner with the NY State Division of Parole, having the distinction of being the first Latina in state history appointed to that position.  Before this she had a 30+ year career as social worker/supervisor with the NYC Family Court/Probation system.  She also served as a director with the Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs.  Maria was a NYU (MSW) and Hunter College (BA) graduate.  She was known for creating innovative court programs aimed at reducing recidivism with at-risk youth.  Throughout her career she was an advocate, activist, and organizer in the field of criminal justice and on issues impacting the Hispanic community. 

 

Married for over 50 years to the musician Lloyd Buchanan (deceased 2015), Maria was a loving and devoted wife.  She is survived by the Buchanan children (Patsy, Carole, Yvonne, and Norman), grandchildren (Mason, Camille, Tanice, and Christopher), her cousins (Frederick, Vincent, and Christina Brewington), and others (the Robles family) who loved her deeply.  Maria’s kindness, generosity and patience was legendary among her family and friends.  Knowing her was a blessing. 

Sunday
10
December

Viewing

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Scamardella Funeral Home, Inc.
332 Broadway
Staten Island, New York, United States
Monday
11
December

Service

10:00 am
Monday, December 11, 2023
Church Of St. Mary Of The Assumption - Our Lady Mt. Carmel St. Benedicta
1265 Castleton Ave
Staten Island, New York, United States
Monday
11
December

Interment

12:00 pm
Monday, December 11, 2023
Resurrection Cemetery
361 Sharrott Ave
Staten Island, New York, United States
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Maria Buchanan

In Loving Memory

Maria Buchanan

1931 - 2023

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