Berit Kari Buchanan

Berit Kari Langeland Buchanan, 69, of North Charleston, passed away Monday, May 19, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer. Born during the final winter of World War II in Sykkylven, Norway, among beautiful mountains, fjords, and fields of lilac, Mrs. Buchanan’s adventurous spirit took her to England as a young woman in the early 1960s. Her destiny was sealed after a chance encounter on the London tube, when an airman in the U.S. Air Force stopped her to ask for directions. He brought her to the United States, where she continued her life of adventure as a proud military wife and mother. The military sent them all over the country and as far away as Hawaii, but they never forgot their time in lovely Charleston, where they returned to retire. Mrs. Buchanan was passionate about her career at Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union, where she worked tirelessly for more than 20 years guiding people to financial responsibility and success. She loved helping young members of the military purchase their first car. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, watching Masterpiece Theater on PBS, and home improvement projects. She once said that if she could do it all over again, she’d be a handyman because she loved to transform spaces and fix things. Mrs. Buchanan’s ashes will be taken home to Norway, where family will gather to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you get a colonoscopy, hug your children and grandchildren, and support your local PBS station and the Wounded Warrior Project as you are able. She is survived by her devoted husband of almost 50 years, Ralph, two loving daughters: Sally (Marc) Miramontes of Summerville and Susan Buchanan of Silver Spring, Md, three cherished grandchildren: Kirsten Cresho, Kai Jepson, and Donavan Miramontes, former son-in-law Michael Cresho of Hickory, NC, and one brother, two sisters, and five nephews in Norway. She was preceded in death by her parents, Per Arne and Kirsten Langeland, and her precious pets, Tiffany and BK. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com. ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 S. MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843) 873-4040.

Berit Kari Buchanan

January 4, 1945 - May 19, 2014