Marla Jean Buchanan

Marla Jean Buchanan of Madison, Wisconsin passed away suddenly at her home on May 3rd, 2022. She was born in Aurora, Illinois to Judy Ballard and Norman Buchanan. Marla moved to Leland, Illinois as a young child with her siblings Kathy and Scott. She was raised by her mother and Step-Father John Ballard. Marla had 4 children Paula, Christine, Mohammed, and Patrick, all of whom she loved dearly. She was a graduate of Northern Illinois University, with a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology. She lived most of her life in Earlville, Illinois, where she raised Moe and Patrick. She was currently working as a Care Coordinator for Journey Health Care, supporting others through mental health crises, a job she found rewarding, and she was so excited to have a job where she could use her degree to the fullest extent. Marla was creative to her core, something that was obvious in everything she did. She was a writer and published several books, which she was very proud of. A lover of vintage décor and thrifting, she relished the chance to find a good deal or an antique. She absolutely adored her new Granddaughter, Evelyn Mae, and they enjoyed going to the farmers market together, along with her son Patrick and his wife Skye. Marla worked very hard to improve her health and fitness in her adult life, losing 120 pounds by diet and exercise alone, and made a complete life change for the better. Her life was not the easiest with the kidnapping of her son Moe in 2002, and a car accident which left Moe permanently disabled, but she was one of the strongest and most resilient women to exist. She was an excellent role model of perseverance through hard times and always managed to find a way to have a smile on her face for those around her. She is survived by her children Patrick (Skye) Kozlowski, Mohammed Kaseem, Paula Lange, and Christine Lange; her Grandchildren Michael and Evelyn; her siblings Kathy (Eddie) Lovelace and Scott Buchanan; and many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins. She is preceded in death by her Mother and Step-Father, Judy and John Ballard, whom she loved and missed dearly. Words cannot describe how much Marla will be missed. She was an amazing Mother, Grandmother, and all around just a good person. The void that her loss leaves is one that will never be filled, but we will do our best to ensure that her Grandchildren will grow up knowing who she was and that she loved them so so much. Per Marla's wishes there will not be a service, and her remains will be scattered among the places that she loved and places she always dreamed of visiting. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to any charity of your choice.