Julie Rickards Obituary

Julie Ann (Buyer) Rickards, 41, of Lancaster, PA, passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at home surrounded by her loving family following a hard fought and honorable two and a half year battle with breast cancer.
She was the proud and loving mother of a son, Ben, and wife of James. Julie was the daughter of Gerst and Carolyn (Kreiser) Buyer of Harrisburg, maternal great granddaughter of Mildred Kreiser of Harrisburg and cousin of Kimberly Radel of Elizabethville.
She was a graduate of Susquehanna Twp. High School and a cum laude graduate of Kutztown University. She was a fifth grade teacher at Cornwall Terrace Elementary School in Sinking Spring. Her career spanned 17 years and was a source of much fulfillment.
She loved her family, friends, and "skitties", Olive, Charlie, and Pablo. She enjoyed music, especially that of drummer Ben, caring for her flowers, movies, vacations at the beach, country rides, reading, live rock concerts and retail therapy. A wide circle of friends were a cherished asset during her illness. She was uniquely gifted in making special days very special.
Visitation will be Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 9-11am at Calvary United Methodist Church, 4600 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, with funeral services to begin at 11am. Burial will be in Shoops Cemetery
She was active in Relay For Life of Lancaster for 3 years, Team Julie B. Good this year achieved Gold Level Honors for fund raising. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be offered to Lancaster Relay For Life-Team Julie B. Good, c/o James Rickards, 955 Salisbury Ct., Lancaster, PA 17601.

Published by Patriot-News on Sep. 12, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Julie Rickards

Sponsored by Gerst and Carolyn Buyer.

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I just found out that this wonderful woman left this earth way to soon. She was my fifth grade teacher. Forgive me if my grammar is off or something i have tears in my eyes. I had selective mutism and I started talking to adults in the middle of fifth grade, and I Don't know if I could have done so if it hadn't been for Miss Buyer's love and support. She was a great teacher and I'm sure an outstanding wife, mother, daughter, and friend. I'm in total shock right now. I want to wish my condolences to her family and friends although late I am very sorry. The world has lost a beautiful and wonderful human being.

Amanda Thomas

September 28, 2015

Miss you, pretty lady.

Amy

October 7, 2013

I think of Julie every day. I miss her smile and her words of wisdom. A beautiful person even on her worst days, Julie will always be an inspiration.

Cherilyn

August 2, 2013

Julie brought light, comfort, grace and joy to so many people whose lives she touched. Sending much love to you all, with gratitude for her life and energy and hope that those who love her as well find comfort in having known and loved her.

Janet Isserlis

October 1, 2012

To all who have written in loving tribute regarding our daughter, a heartfelt Thank You...your support has been very helpful and appreciated. The sharing of your experiences and love for Julie mean a great deal to our family. Julie's Guest Book will remain online for the next year.

Gerst and Carolyn Buyer

September 23, 2012

Julie was a wonderful teacher who taught two of our children. She will always have a special place in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Paul & April Dauterive Family

September 16, 2012

I new Julie back when we went to the same church as children.She always had such a kind heart. I can't believe she is gone at such a young age. She will for sure be watching over the children in heaven as she is now a Angel I am sure God needed her. My prayers & sympathies go out to her family & friends. Amy Hunt- Hbg

September 16, 2012

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

September 16, 2012

When I was in fifth grade, I was supposed to have Mrs. Rickards. Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting her, I always knew she was a special person based on what the other kids and teachers at Cornwall told me. She will be dearly missed and will stay in my heart forever. Godbless.

Matt Wenger

September 15, 2012

Julie carried sunshine in her pocket wherever she went.

She belongs to a countless number of people, in small and large ways.

We remember Julie.

Robin Trott

September 15, 2012

I was blessed to be able to teach with Julie at Cornwall Terrace Elem. I saw her strength, commitment and love for her students. She was truly a gifted teacher and an amazing person. Prayers to her family.

Elizabeth Stoud

September 14, 2012

Julie was such a bright light. She will continue to shine in the hearts of the countless people whose lives she touched.

Paula Gray

September 14, 2012

Julie was a treasure, a compassionate soul who loved life itself. She touched so many people, the family who loved her dearly, the children at school whom she lovingly guided and the teachers and staff at Cornwall Terrace. All have been inspired by her…her courageousness, her originality, her grace, her never ending tenacity.
May she find love in the arms of the Lord and be forever in peace.
My heartfelt sympathy for you all.
May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.

Kim Cooke

September 14, 2012

To the Rickards & Buyer Families,
I am so sorry that you have lost Julie. She was truly someone who brightend the lives of the poeple she was around. I will always remember how kind, helpful, and funny she was during our time as classmates. Julie was that rare person you hear of who no one ever had a bad thing to say about. A true testament to her spirit,charachter, and upbringing. Julie the angel on earth has returned to the angels in heaven and will be missed by all those she touched here.

Henry Evans

September 13, 2012

Carolyn and Gerst, Mark had recently told me about Julie. So very sorry about her passing. Mark and she had some very special memories of grade school. My deepest sympathies to you both.

Judy Boyer

September 13, 2012

She is one of those special teachers that made a difference in kids' lives. I feel honored to have had her as my 5th grade teacher..she was one of a kind.

Annabelle Bowers

September 13, 2012

Carolyn and Gerst,
I'm so sorry about your daughter's passing...something no parent should have to go through. Thinking of you in this time of sadness.

Nance Welch

Nance Welch

September 13, 2012

Mrs. Rickards was one of the best teachers i had ever had she let us have fun in class and we listened to music and she had this thing of like teacher helpers where it would be one whole week being like a teacher and she would give us soda . Back in %th grade was the best with her and now in 9th grade i can never forget how much i thank her

Franchesca

September 13, 2012

I taught Kindergarten at C.T. with Julie for many years. I knew she was fighting this terrible disease with dignity and grace. We are all losing a wonderful woman who meant so much to so many people in so many ways. May the memories of her short but meaningful life remain strong in your hearts until you meet again in Heaven. God bless you all, and may her son grow to be as wonderful a person as was his mother. Goodbye Julie, your pain is over and you are in peace with the Lord. We will all miss you.

Carol Bashore

September 13, 2012

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Julie's death. I taught with Julie for about 7 years at Cornwall Terrace when she started out as Miss Buyer and later as Mrs. Rickards. Julie was a creative, organized, dynamic teacher. Since I retired 10 years ago, I lost touch with Julie, but I will always remember her as an excellent teacher who showed sincere compassion for her students. I extend my deepelst sympathy to her son, husband, and her parents.

Linda Hodgdon

September 12, 2012

Mrs. Rickards,
Our paths crossed in the 5th grade and my life was changed forever. Thanks for all your support and guidance; your memory will linger forever.
Danielle Wah
Your Student

Danielle Wah

September 12, 2012

Mrs. Rickards was my 5th grade teacher, and we share the same birthday. i will miss her alot. She was an amazing teacher and i will never forget her.

Reiley Weidenheimer

September 12, 2012

Julie, you were a smart, thoughtful, wonderful person with a great sense of humor. I will always remember all the fun times we had together, with you and your family. You will be sorely missed...

Eric Shaffer

September 12, 2012

My very deepest condolences to both families. She will be dearly missed.

Mark Boyer

September 12, 2012

Ms.Rickards will be one of those special teachers that my children will always remember..she made a difference..we are forever grateful for knowing such a kind soul..our prayers are with your whole family..God bless

Simmerman family

September 12, 2012

Carolyn and Gerst,
I am sorry to read about Julie Ann, hopefully in our lifetime, this terrible disease will be eradicated.
Nancy Compher Stine

September 12, 2012

Julie was my 5th Grade Elementary School Teacher. She helped me when people bullied me. I will miss her caring personality

Mario

September 12, 2012

Julie's love, inspiration, and humor was not confined to her immediate friends and hometown. I am from Dallas, Tx. and am honored to call myself a friend and hope her family realizes just how special people across this country and across oceans found her to be. My condolences to her son, parents and other family members. Our hearts are with you.

John

September 12, 2012

To the Rickards & Buyer Family,

Our deepest condolences to all of you during this very difficult time. May God give you the strength to heal and move forward. Mrs. Rickards will always be remembered by so many who loved and respected her. She will forever hold a special place in all of our hearts. My daughter had Mrs. Rickards in fifth grade a few years ago. Her passion for teaching and love of life was showered on everyone who knew her especially her students.

You are now at peace and in the loving arms of our creator. Always know our memories shall go on forever. Thank you for making a difference Mrs. Rickards!

Our deepest sympathy,
The Skaf Family

Skaf Family

September 12, 2012

You brought joy, inspiration, smiles and laughter to so many. Your light and love will always shine on.

Crystal Plew

September 12, 2012

Julie is like sunshine… we will feel her every day of our lives.

Trish

September 12, 2012

Julie was a special person and I will miss all the great times we spent together!!!! My thought and prayers will be with Julie's family

Lisa Smith

September 12, 2012

Dear Gerst,
I worked with you many years ago at Pomeroy's in Colonial Park and just wanted to send my condolences. I am so very sorry about the loss of your daughter. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Jeanne Wolf

September 12, 2012

Julie you were a beautiful person and a great friend. Going to miss you so much. Sending thoughts and prayers to Jim, Ben, and Mr. and Mrs Buyer.

Stephanie Smith

September 12, 2012

A great teacher that will be dearly missed!

Alexandra Keller

September 11, 2012

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