The Reverend Deacon Dana Evenson Buchanan

Born May 23, 1960 in Baltimore, Maryland, Dana passed away peacefully at home Thursday, September 15, 2011, surrounded by loved ones. 51 years young, she now walks by the side of her teacher, Jesus.

Dana successfully completed the Education for Ministry program in May 2006 and continued her journey to become one of the first vocational deacons in the Diocese of Virginia. Ordained as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Virginia on February 5, 2011, she served at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Great Falls, Virginia.
Dana also worked as a Deputy Clerk at the Loudoun County Courthouse in Leesburg, Virginia.

Dana met her friend, husband and soul-mate, Rob Buchanan, in 1996 and they were married at St. James' Episcopal Church in Leesburg, Virginia on May 19, 2001.

She enjoyed singing, cooking, traveling and devoting her time, support and love to her ministries and her extensive church family.

Pre-deceased by her mother Patricia Mae Evenson, Dana is survived by her husband Rob Buchanan, father William Evenson, Sr., brothers William Evenson, Jr. and James Evenson, sister Pamela Michael, many nieces, nephews and brothers- and sisters-in-law. Dana is also survived by her beloved canine companion, Poco.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Reverend Deacon Dana E. Buchanan Music Fund (c/o St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall Street, Leesburg, VA 20176 or http://www.saintgabriels.net) or Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter (105 East Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 or http://www.lcsj.org/donate.htm).

Bishop Shannon Johnston will celebrate the Eucharist on Saturday, September 24th at 11:00 AM at St. James' Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall Street, Leesburg, VA.

God's peace, Dana, you've made the climb.