Rene S. (Smith) Buchanan

 Rene S. Buchanan, a resident of Newton and former longtime resident of Allston, passed away at home on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at age 77.

Rene was born in Braddock, Pennsylvania on July 25, 1947, the oldest daughter of the late Nicholas (Ducky) Smith and Rene (Williams) Smith. She was raised in a suburb of Pennsylvania by two generations of iron workers who worked with molten steel in blast furnaces.  Rene’s love for God had her join a convent after high school. The Mother Seaton Sisters of Charity convent was an order devoted to nursing and teaching. After three years in the convent Rene attended Boston College graduating with both a Bachelor’s and a Masters Degrees in Economics. After college Rene was recruited by a former professor to join the Federal Department of Transportation in Cambridge and for 34 year she used her economic skills to improve transportation around the country.

Rene’s love for God led her to join the Boston Charismatic Prayer Group. As a member for over 30 years she became one of the leaders. She received awards from the Bridge over Troubled Waters Organization for providing assistance and overnight shelter to runaways. She was also instrumental in WOC the Woman’s Ordination Conference.

Rene is survived by her beloved husband Robert whom she married on May 19, 1990. Devoted sister to Marianne Kukulinski and deceased husband Lou of NC, Susanne Anglin and husband David of IN, Lorraine Rice and her deceased husband Richard of NC. Rene was the beloved sister to the late LaVerne Smith of NC and brother-in-law Jay Buchanan.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Rene’s life from 4pm to 7pm visiting hours January 9 at the Lehman, Reen & McNamara Funeral Home 63 Chestnut Hill Avenue Brighton MA.  Funeral Mass is at St Columbkille’s Church 321 Market St Brighton on January 10 at 10:30. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Greater Boston Food Bank at 70 South Bay Ave | Boston, MA 02118 | GBFB.org