Hortense Flores Buchanan

Hortense Flores Buchanan, fondly known to her many friends as Bucky, was born in Petrolia, Texas, to Ruth Patterson and Al Buchanan. She and her brother Morris moved to San Antonio at an early age when their father founded many oil and gas fields throughout South Texas. After pursuing music and drama studies at Southern Methodist University and the University of Southern California, Ms. Buchanan moved to New York City where she performed in several theatrical productions. Her extraordinary beauty and talent earned her the title of Queen of the New York Worlds Fair in 1939. Ms. Buchanan was a tireless and dedicated patron of many charities and educational programs; she served on the Board of Directors of the University of Incarnate Word, President of the San Antonio Womens Club, a volunteer for the Red Cross and the Los Comprades de San Antonio Missions. She was also an ardent supporter of the Humane Society and the Catholic Church. An accomplished classical pianist, Ms. Buchanan played in concerts with San Antonio Symphony. She also taught her dog Nochita to play piano. Ms. Buchanan was married to the late Hall-of-Fame jazz musician Robert Dude Skiles and to Aubrey Klien. She is survived by three sons: Robert Beto Skiles of Austin, Texas, James and wife Debbie Skiles of Seattle, Washington, and Albert and wife Lisa Skiles of Fayetteville, Arkansas, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Ms. Buchanan was remarkably knowledgeable and conversant in a wide range of interest, including geology, finance, music and architecture. She earned a degree in music from the University of Incarnate Word, and at the age of 70, earned a Cum Laude Degree in Interior Design. Her long, rich legacy is a remarkable example of how to live life to the fullest. She remains an inspiration to all who knew her, and will be dearly missed. It was Hortenses wish to be cremated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society or Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions

Service:
A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, March 16, 2010at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, at 138 W. Austin St, New Braunfels, TX 78130