Dorothy Buchanan, age 104, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1, 2026. She was born on November 16, 1921, in Michigan City, Indiana, to the late John and Julia (Forrester) Michaels.

 

On July 31,1943, she married Owen Buchanan at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Michigan City. They shared 57 wonderful years together before Owen preceded her in death on August 30, 2000.

 

Dorothy continued to live in the home that she and Owen built until shortly before her 103rd birthday. She was very proud of her independence, tending to her beautiful garden and maintaining the property well past her 100 th year. Dorothy centered her life around her home and her family, showing unwavering love for those closest to her.

 

She is lovingly remembered by her immediate family: her beloved son, Steven Buchanan and his wife Margaret of Rolling Prairie, and her cherished grandson Alexander Buchanan and his wife Rebecca Frye of La Porte. They will treasure the memories of Sunday dinners around her kitchen table and all the love and stories that she shared with them.

 

She is also survived by her sisters, Jane Noll and Ramona Barenie, both of Michigan City, Amber Vojak-Spencer of La Belle, Florida, and many nieces and nephews.

 

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings Marie Lain, Emil Michaels, John Michaels Jr., June Raska, and Alice Spychalski.

 

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. Burial will follow at Door Village Cemetery.

 

The family wishes to share their heartfelt gratitude to Dunes Hospice for all their support for Dorothy through the final chapter of her life.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 

Those wishing to light a virtual candle, share a memory, or leave a message of comfort for the family are invited to visit esslingfuneralhome.com.